By: Tik Yee Lau

In the United States, about one percent of the population (3.5 million people) is affected by schizophrenia. Out of the American adult population, around 2.4 millions people have this disease. Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that is characterized by an inability to think clearly, failure in managing emotions, and acting in a socially unacceptable manner. In the United States, schizophrenia affects both males and females equally (National Institute of Mental Health).

Although laid people usually think of schizophrenia as a mental illness, schizophrenia can also be seen as a physical disorder that is characterized by physical differences in the brain such as fewer synapse, which are junctions between nerve cells where impulses pass through. MRI imaging also shows differences in brain functioning in schizophrenia patients (Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America).

Additionally, schizophrenia has various stigmas attached to it; some of them include bad parenting, substance abuse, a lack of self-discipline, and being possessed by evil spirits (Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America). However, these are merely common misconceptions that have no proofs supporting them. Some people even think of schizophrenia as a type of personality disorder. However, as mentioned earlier, schizophrenia is actually just an illness that is both physical and mental.

Stigmas attached to schizophrenia could lead to potential discrimination in workplaces and social settings. In addition, these stigmas could also make the patients and their families feel ashamed of the disease and may prevent them from seeking treatment. As with any other illnesses, seeking treatment is the best option for the patients. In the United States, Schizophrenia patients face not only their physical illnesses; they also face the stigmas from others. As a society, destigmatizing schizophrenia depends on everyone recognizing the disease and accepting the schizophrenia patients.

References:

“What Is Schizophrenia?” National Institute of Mental Health. Web. 4 September, 2014.

“About Schizophrenia. ”Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America. Web. 4 September, 2014

“What is Schizophrenia?” National Alliance of Mental Illness. Web. 4 September, 2014.