Here is part 3 of our series of articles looking at specific mental illnesses and busting preconceived notions about said illness. We continue with a look at schizophrenia.

Myth 1: People living with schizophrenia are dangerous and violent.

This myth likely stems from the way schizophrenia has historically been portrayed in the media and in films and on TV. In fact, the minority of people living with schizophrenia who are involved in a violent encounter are far more likely to be the victims of violence, or to hurt themselves, than to hurt others. Research shows that when people who live with schizophrenia exhibit violent behaviour, it is likely because of other variables like substance abuse, not because of the psychotic symptoms from their schizophrenia.

Myth 2: Those with schizophrenia have multiple personalities.

This myth may come from the origins of the word schizophrenia. The word schizophrenia has words with Greek roots; schizien, meaning “to split”, and phren, meaning “mind”. This may bring up the idea that this “split mind” refers to multiple personalities, but this is not a characteristic of schizophrenia. The disorder where someone has multiple personalities is called Dissociative Identity Disorder, formerly called Multiple Personality Disorder.

Myth 3: You can get a diagnosis for schizophrenia by taking a blood test.

Unfortunately, there is no blood test that can diagnose schizophrenia. A study published in 2024 found that certain gene expression markers seemed to have a correlation with psychotic symptoms. While correlation does not mean causation, it does tell us that there seems to be a link. More research will need to be done in the future to understand the implications of these findings, but for now no blood test can diagnose schizophrenia.

Myth 4: Early intervention does not matter; what will happen will happen.

According to the Schizophrenia Society of Canada, individuals in their late teens and in their 20s experience a critical psychosocial development during this stage in their lives, and if there is early intervention to help with their schizophrenia, it can help promote function development and help avoid the additional challenges that can come with emerging psychosis during this time. Early intervention can also help the individual to minimize the development of problematic or dangerous behaviours.

Myth 5: Drugs directly cause schizophrenia.

Some studies show that those who use certain recreational drugs have an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. The link is not clear, as we don’t know whether the drugs directly cause symptoms or whether those with schizophrenia are more likely to use drugs. They also explain that if a person has had previous episodes of schizophrenia and psychosis, then there is a chance that recreational drugs can cause a relapse, further exacerbate symptoms, and delay recovery.

Myth 6: Therapy does not work for someone with schizophrenia.

This is far from the truth. There are various therapies and treatments that can help someone living with the schizophrenia, including antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants and mood stabilizers, counselling, psychotherapy, support groups, family therapy, and changes in diet and exercise. Often it is a combination of different therapies that can help the individual lead a good and satisfying life.

Visit amiquebec.org/schizophrenia for organizations that can help you or a loved one.

–Gabrielle Lesage
From Share&Care Spring 2025

Visit amiquebec.org/sources for references