Thread by @docbhooshan

#SchizophreniaAwarenessWeek
Myths about schizophrenia -
#Thread
Myth 1. Children don't get Schizophrenia.
Truth - Early signs are often seen in late adolescence (16-19). Very early appearance (before 12) is rare. M

Myth 2. Intelligent children are in danger of developing schizophrenia.

Truth - intelligence and schizophrenia don't have direct connection. When a popular / intelligent young person develops schizophrenia, it makes a big mark in our memory. Hence this misconception.

Myth 3. - Bad parenting causes schizophrenia

Truth - parenting style or practice is not related to schizophrenia. Overall adverse experiences in childhood (abuse, severe poverty, losing parent) make a person vulnerable to many mental health issues as adult.

Myth 4. Marriage / having children cures schizophrenia.
Truth - family is no cure for mental health issues. A person with schizophrenia can marry and have family like any other person. Talk to your treating doctor about how it works for you.

Myth 5. People with schizophrenia are violent.

Truth - newspaper headlines create this myth by disproportionate publicity of extreme and rare instances. In reality people with schizophrenia are more often VICTIMS of violence by family and society.

Myth 6. - People with schizophrenia can do proper job / earn money.

Truth - majority of patients are actually regular professionals, run businesses and earn like others. A small percentage will have compromised work ability if their illness is very severe.

Myth 7. Schizophrenia goes to kids as well. "पागल के बच्चे पागल"

Truth - this is one of the most devastating lie. All illnesses (even diabetes) have a heritable component. Same with all mental health issues.

Myth 8. You will get schizophrenia if you associate with a person with schizophrenia.

Truth - no mental health issue is contagious (spreading by contact). friendship and social association actually helps patients reintegrate in society and it will help YOU to see it for real.

Myth 9. Once a schizophrenic always a schizophrenic.

Truth - chronic nature of schizophrenia is actually less frequent than similar issue in diabetes, high BP, heart conditions, etc.
Almost a third of patients can even come off medications with advice of treating team.

Myth 10. Schizophrenia patients need "shock treatment".

Truth - shock treatment = electroconvulsive therapy. This is an effective and safe treatment for severe mental health issues like severe depression, severe psychosis, etc.
Very few patients need it if treated early. A

All these issues were discussed in a myth busting session conducted by Schizophrenia Awareness Association, Pune.
Participants - @akhileshlinky @ambrish_doc @amritbakhshy (from Twitter)

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