Health
5 myths about schizophrenia, according to a mental health expert: ‘Huge stigma’
About 1% of Americans, or nearly 3.5 million people, are affected by schizophrenia — yet the mental disorder remains highly stigmatized and misunderstood, experts say.
The reason, according to Brooke Kempf, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner based in Indiana, is a general lack of knowledge about schizophrenia.
“People may see somebody hallucinating and think, ‘That is schizophrenia,’ when there’s so much more to the illness,” she told Fox News Digital in an interview.
STUDY LINKS CANNABIS ABUSE TO SCHIZOPHRENIA IN YOUNG MEN
“It’s important for people to recognize that schizophrenia is a diagnosed and treatable medical condition.”
For World Schizophrenia Day, Kempf shared some of the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding the disorder.
Here’s a look at five.
Myth No. 1: People with schizophrenia are violent
One of the greatest and “most harmful” myths is the notion that people living with schizophrenia are “scary” or “violent,” Kempf said.
“There is a long history of conflating TV or movie characters who are behaving in odd, confusing or frightening ways with a diagnosis of schizophrenia,” she said.
NY WOMAN REVEALS LIFE WITH A SISTER’S SCHIZOPHRENIA, WRITES ‘LOVE LETTER’ TO HER
“However, we have to remember that these are made-up, dramatized situations. A diagnosis of schizophrenia doesn’t have anything to do with what we see on the screen.”
When patients with schizophrenia experience an acute episode — perhaps having delusions or hearing voices — they might behave differently than they typically would, sometimes seeming angry or violent.
“The person is likely experiencing something within themselves that they might be arguing about or responding to, but they aren’t targeting anything toward another person,” Kempf said.
When symptoms are managed with medication, “you would probably have no idea of their diagnosis,” she noted.
“Through my long history of working in community mental health and hearing their stories, I know that people living with schizophrenia are good, caring, loving people,” Kempf said.
“They are more likely,” she added, “to be the victim of a violent crime than the perpetrator of one.”
Myth No. 2: People with schizophrenia have multiple personalities
There is a misconception that people with schizophrenia have multiple personalities, which could be because the Greek word “schizophrenia” means “split mind,” Kempf noted.
“However, people with schizophrenia do not have split personalities,” she said.
MORE THAN HALF OF THOSE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS DON’T GET NEEDED CARE
“They might have different behavioral characteristics when they’re ill and experiencing an episode, but it’s not because they have a split personality.”
Myth No. 3: People with schizophrenia are not intelligent
This assumption is completely false, according to Kempf.
“If the illness isn’t well managed and continues to progress, or they have repeated relapses, patients will lose gray matter in their brains, and their cognitive function may decline,” she told Fox News Digital.
“But that does not mean they’re not intelligent.”
Some patients may experience cognitive decline in the early stages of the disease — referred to as the “prodromal phase,” Kempf said — but early diagnosis and intervention can help prevent that.
Kempf said she has worked with a multitude of “very successful individuals who also happen to live with schizophrenia.”
“People with schizophrenia do not have split personalities.”
In many cases, she noted, people can no longer see the “highly intelligent individual” behind the disease.
“As long as individuals with schizophrenia get the proper treatment — ideally with a long-acting injectable (LAI) medication — they can keep their symptoms controlled and function very well,” Kempf said.
Myth No. 4: Symptoms of schizophrenia only involve hallucinations and delusions
Schizophrenia consists of what is clinically termed “positive” and “negative” symptoms, Kempf noted.
“Delusions and hallucinations, as well as changes in behavior and thoughts, are considered positive symptoms,” she said.
Patients experiencing these symptoms may hear voices or have extra thoughts, delusions or fixed false beliefs, the expert explained.
“Hallucinations are not just hearing voices,” Kempf said. “They can occur in multiple ways based on our senses — seeing, hearing, smelling or feeling things.”
Negative symptoms are when people lose interest in the world around them, withdraw or don’t take an interest in everyday social interactions, according to Kempf.
DISRUPTED SLEEP, PLUS NIGHTMARES COULD BE LINKED TO AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES, EXPERTS SAY
“Patients with schizophrenia may get labeled as ‘lazy,’ or they don’t seem as put together,” she said. “But it’s not about laziness. The person’s brain doesn’t connect these things as being important.”
People with schizophrenia may also experience what are referred to as “psychomotor” symptoms, Kempf said — they might seem abnormally slow, and their speech and thought processes can be somewhat delayed or disorganized.
“Unfortunately, if these negative symptoms continue and there isn’t treatment, they can impact cognitive functioning.”
Myth No. 5: People with schizophrenia require long-term or lifelong hospitalization
Hospitalization for a person experiencing acute schizophrenia symptoms is usually very short, according to Kempf.
“For someone having an episode of schizophrenia, the average length of stay may be about five days.”
“In an inpatient setting, for someone having an episode of schizophrenia, the average length of stay may be about five days,” she said.
“If a patient doesn’t respond to medication and can’t function safely on their own, they might have to go to a longer-term, higher-level setting.”
CHICAGO NURSE IS FINALLY FREE OF COVID-19-RELATED PTSD AND DEPRESSION AFTER ELECTRICAL BRAIN TAPPING THERAPY
Today, health care providers aim to give people with schizophrenia community-based services so that they’re able to function on their own, Kempf noted.
This might mean supporting them with employment services and housing opportunities to ensure that they have an affordable and safe place to live.
“Some patients continue to live with their family members; some might live in a group home,” Kempf said.
“People living with this disease deserve to be treated like human beings and with the same care we would provide someone diagnosed with a physical illness.”
From a medical perspective, schizophrenia has different levels of severity, the expert noted.
“But, again, if managed well, with early intervention, an individual can remain high-functioning and live independently,” she said.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Our goal is the least structured environment possible, enabling the person to live a normal life where they can work, grocery shop and drive on a day-to-day basis.”
Ultimately, Kempf said, schizophrenia should be viewed as a disease, not a choice.
“While schizophrenia is a mental health diagnosis, it should be thought of no differently than a physical health diagnosis of diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease,” she said.
“It just impacts a different organ: the brain.”
Other brain disorders, such as epilepsy, tend to be more accepted by society, she said — but there is still a “huge stigma” surrounding diseases like schizophrenia, “probably because of the fear of the unknown.”
“It is treatable, and both medication and support services are available,” she told Fox News Digital.
“We all have a role to play in helping to dispel myths, foster understanding and reduce stigma,” she continued.
“People living with this disease deserve to be treated like human beings and with the same care we would provide someone diagnosed with a physical illness.”
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
Health
‘Land of the Lost' 1974 Cast: What Happened to The Beloved Saturday Morning Stars?
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
Forgot your password?
Get back to the Sign In
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Health
More people sent to hospital as mushroom-infused 'microdosing' chocolate faces ongoing FDA probe
“Microdosing” chocolate bars designed to give consumers “peace of mind” have sent more and more people to hospitals, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently reported.
The FDA published an initial advisory message about Diamond Shruumz, a company that produces “microdosing” chocolate bars and gummies, on June 7. At the time, six people who had consumed the products were hospitalized.
The FDA now reports that at least 10 people have been hospitalized after eating the products. An additional two people sought medical care but were not hospitalized.
“Do not eat, sell, or serve Diamond Shruumz-Brand Microdosing Chocolate Bars,” the FDA’s site warns.
MUSHROOM-INFUSED ‘MICRODOSING’ CHOCOLATE BARS ARE SENDING PEOPLE TO THE HOSPITAL, PROMPTING INVESTIGATION: FDA
“[The] FDA is working to determine the cause of these illnesses and is considering the appropriate next steps,” the statement added. “More information will be provided as it becomes available.”
The products are distributed nationally. The FDA’s website said hospitalizations were reported in Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina and Pennsylvania. Four hospitalizations were recorded in Arizona, and two were reported in Indiana.
The consumers who ate the “microdosing” products experienced “severe” symptoms, officials reported.
STUDY FINDS EVIDENCE OF MICROPLASTICS IN BRAINS AND OTHER ORGANS
“People who became ill after eating Diamond Shruumz-brand Microdosing Chocolate Bars reported a variety of severe symptoms including seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness), agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea, and vomiting,” the FDA says.
“Microdosing” is when drug users take a minuscule amount of hallucinogenic drugs to increase creativity and boost their mood without having a psychedelic trip. Even though the Diamond Shruumz products are marketed as “microdosing,” the company reports that its products have no psilocybin in them.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“There is no presence of psilocybin, amanita or any scheduled drugs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience,” Diamond Shruumz’s website says. “Rest assured, our treats are not only free from psychedelic substances but our carefully crafted ingredients still offer an experience.”
“This allows you to indulge in a uniquely crafted blend designed for your pleasure and peace of mind.”
The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating the products. Fox News Digital reached out to Diamond Shruumz for comment but did not hear back.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
Health
'Yellowstone' Dads: See Your Favorite Cowboys With Their Adorable Kids
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
Forgot your password?
Get back to the Sign In
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
-
Politics1 week ago
Newson, Dem leaders try to negotiate Prop 47 reform off California ballots, as GOP wants to let voters decide
-
World1 week ago
Dozens killed near Sudan’s capital as UN warns of soaring displacement
-
World1 week ago
‘Bloody policies’: Bodies of 11 refugees and migrants recovered off Libya
-
Politics1 week ago
Embattled Biden border order loaded with loopholes 'to drive a truck through': critics
-
Politics1 week ago
Gun group vows to 'defend' Trump's concealed carry license after conviction
-
Politics7 days ago
Should Trump have confidence in his lawyers? Legal experts weigh in
-
News1 week ago
Would President Biden’s asylum restrictions work? It’s a short-term fix, analysts say
-
News1 week ago
Read Justice Clarence Thomas’s Financial Disclosures for 2023