A Beginning

Schizophrenia is believed to be an illness like any other and can occur in any family.

Roughly 1 in 100 people will develop schizophrenia in their lifetime but schizophrenia affects us all. Chances are you know someone who has schizophrenia - you may not even know it.


Many people with the disorder keep it quiet due to the current prejudice against those with brain disorders.

Schizophrenia generally strikes people in their teens or early twenties. Some people get well and never have another breakdown; others can have symptoms for the rest of their lives.

Schizophrenia is not:

• a split personality, and is not Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly Multiple Personality Disorder)
• caused by bad parenting, personal or spiritual weakness, demon possession, poverty, or street drugs and alcohol

Treatment: Respect

Schizophrenia is a treatable brain disorder. Effective, early treatment is vital in managing it. However, medication is not the complete answer.

Recovery for people with schizophrenia also depends on a supportive and knowledgeable community.

Understanding the disorder is the first step in living with it.

Mind your language

The use of words, such as "schizo", "psycho" and "nutter", causes great hurt.
People with schizophrenia have feelings, too.

Schizophrenia does not equal violence.

Violence is not a symptom of schizophrenia.

The majority of people with schizophrenia are not dangerous, homicidal or aggressive. Studies have shown that with appropriate treatment, people with schizophrenia are no more violent that anyone else.

People get attacked everyday; others go out looking for a fight. Some people are violent; others are not. It is much the same with those of us who have schizophrenia.

For a Change

In treating schizophrenia early, effectively, and with compassion and humanity, we could:

• reduce homelessness
• reduce hospitalisation costs
• reduce the number of people with schizophrenia unfairly held in prisons
• reduce the drug abuse that can occur when people with schizophrenia have nowhere to turn to relieve their pain

What you can do

The way you treat people with mental disorders can make all the difference. For so long, so many people have been reluctant to speak out in support of those with schizophrenia.

• Know the facts
• Talk to someone with schizophrenia - you might have more in common than you think
• Show some respect!