Myths and Stereotypes
This common misconception suggests that people with schizophrenia have "split personalities"
What is Dissociative Identity Disorder
This neurotransmitter, when present in excess in certain brain pathways, is heavily linked to the "positive" symptoms of psychosis
What is Dopamine
Patients taking first-generation antipsychotics are at risk for this condition, characterized by involuntary, repetitive body movements
What is Tardive Dyskinesia
Despite being portrayed as dangerous in media, people with schizophrenia are more likely to be this than perpetrators of it
What are victims of a violent crime
While not a single-gene disorder, having a first-degree relative with schizophrenia increases your risk by approximately this percentage
What is 10%
This life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs involves high fever, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status
What is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
This myth suggests that a lack of intelligence or poor "willpower" is the cause of the disorder.
What is a character flaw
Exposure to this type of biological trigger during the second trimester of pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of the child developing schizophrenia
What is a viral infection
Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics frequently cause this cluster of conditions, including weight gain and high blood sugar
What is Metabolic Syndrome
Many believe people with schizophrenia have constant voices in their heads telling them what to do. While for some maybe, but what has science found it is based off of.
What is there Culture.
This structural abnormality, often visible on an MRI, is one of the most consistent findings in the brains of people with schizophrenia
What is enlarged ventricles
ndividuals with schizophrenia have a significantly higher rate of this habit, which can interfere with the metabolism of certain medications
What is smoking (nicotine dependence)
This outdated and debunked theory once blamed mothers for the development of schizophrenia in their children
What is the Schizophrenogenic Mother theory
Frequent use of this substance during adolescence is associated with an increased risk of developing a psychotic disorder in those who are genetically vulnerable
What is cannabis (marijuana)
This is the most common cause of premature death among individuals with schizophrenia, often occurring much earlier than in the general population
What is cardiovascular disease