Question

List all of the myths and reactions to people diagnosed with schizophrenia that you (or others that you know) have heard about, seen in the media, or read about in books. The professional social worker develops relationships with clients within the person-in-environment and from a strengths perspective. How might these myths and reactions challenge a strengths-based professional relationship?

Answer 1

Ans. few of the commonly believed myths about schizophrenia:

• People with schizophrenia have multiple personalities: People believe that one with the schizophrenic disorder have “split” or multiple personalities. This misperception may originate from the word "schizophrenic" which describes the "split mind" that people with schizophrenia seem to exhibit. "Split mind refers to the mismatch between thought and feeling. A person may be telling a very sad or distressing story while smiling, or may be afraid of things that are completely mundane," Duckworth says.
• It is one of the commonest and most enduring myths around schizophrenia that all people suffering from this condition become dangerous. Whilst the myth is not founded, it is the case that people living with schizophrenia are more at risk of dangerous behaviour such as suicide or violence when they are poorly.
• In popular culture, individuals with schizophrenia are often depicted as sadistic, unpredictable, and violent.
• Many people erroneously believe that schizophrenia can’t be treated and that institutionalization is the only solution: Although it's true that schizophrenia cannot be cured, it can be successfully treated. Medication, rehabilitation practices and psychosocial therapies can help individuals with schizophrenia lead independent and productive lives.
• Many people incorrectly believe that individuals with schizophrenia only suffer from hallucinations and delusions: Popular culture focuses on these symptoms more than other symptoms associated with schizophrenia. However, the truth is along with delusions and hallucinations, individuals with schizophrenia may experience blunted emotions, low motivation, disorganized speech, and a lack of desire to form social relationships. They also can have difficulty maintaining attention and performing certain cognitive tasks.

How myths and reactions challenge a strengths-based professional relationship:

The first challenge of treatment is convincing the person with schizophrenia to see a doctor. To people experiencing delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia, there is no need for medical intervention because the voices and conspiracy theories are real. The problem with many schizophrenia patients is that they stop taking their medication; this is known as medication noncompliance. A schizophrenia patient may stop taking their medication for a variety of reasons, medication side effects being one. Patients with schizophrenia stop taking their medication because this often sends them into psychosis, making it impossible for them to work with a doctor or therapist to find a better treatment for them. Achieving treatment adherence in schizophrenia is a great challenge. The reasons for lack of treatment adherence are complex, vary considerably from patient to patient, and have been categorized as follows: patient-related factors (e.g., persecutory delusions, lack of insight, health care beliefs), medication-related factors (e.g., lack of efficacy, distressing side effects), environmental factors (e.g., caregiver support, cost) and clinician-related factors (e.g., therapeutic alliance) (Fenton et al., 1997).