During the last years of his life, Syd Barret was impaired by hallucinations, distorted views of reality, and personality changes. He recalled and analyzed each moment of his youth with self-pity. The musician, who was one of the main creators of musical psychedelia, consumed high amounts of LSD, up to the point that many thought he had developed schizophrenia as a consequence of his addiction.
His mind had been subdued with so many substances that it was kind of logical to assume that his mental health was damaged by them. That’s why it’s said that the mastermind behind Pink Floyd had constant mental changes and his body presented symptoms that were not common for a person under 30. This musical genius consumed hallucinogens that caused severe mental confusion, and so, he found himself driven away from the band that made him famous. It wasn’t until 1975 that he returned to the spotlight. He’d gained weight, a lost stare, no brows, and appeared to be confused about what was happening around. He also gave the look of someone who’d lost the will to live.
To this day nobody can confirm whether or not he actually did have schizophrenia. What we do know is that he had psychotic breaks similar to the symptoms of this mental condition: a distorted perception of reality, physical and mental decay, aggressive outbursts or extremely passive attitudes, changes in language, hallucinations, and unfamiliarity with his surroundings. But how can we know if these symptoms are really related to the disease? In other words, how can we be sure that a person with this condition will present all of these signs? The simple subject of mental disorders has been highly demonized due to all of the misinformation out there. There are tons of myths that only make people afraid of those who have schizophrenia or other mental disorders.
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Schizophrenia makes people dangerous and unpredictable
Actually, it’s quite the opposite. People with schizophrenia tend to isolate themselves from the world because they feel scared, and so they become more vulnerable. Often, schizophrenic episodes present hallucinations and delusions. They are victims of violence, but not the ones who cause it. Many people can have violent or aggressive outbursts but, according to the British Journal of Psychiatry, this happens mainly with patients who have substance abuse. However, “the proportion of violent crime in society attributable to schizophrenia consistently falls below 10%.”
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Schizophrenics will never be normal people
Actually, they never stop being normal. Unlike other disorders or conditions like dementia, that progresses and never gets better, schizophrenia is a treatable condition that can be controlled. The stability of the patient is possible if they follow the treatment, and of course when the person wishes to do so.
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It’s a 100% genetical condition
While it’s true that there can be traces of the disorder in a person’s genes, there are many reasons and motives that can make a person develop schizophrenia. In most of the cases, there’s a mix of social and psychological factors, and yes, there’s a chance that the patient has a genetic susceptibility, but it’s not a rule.
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They can’t have a productive lifestyle because they need to be hospitalized
This is perhaps the most inaccurate myth around this disorder. Only extreme cases require hospitalization. But most of the times, people with schizophrenia can lead a really normal life. As mentioned before, it all depends on the individual’s will to follow a treatment and get better.
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Their intelligence gets compromised
Although many can present issues with concentration, memory, and attention, this is due to the consumption of anxiolytics, antidepressants, and other medicines, not because of schizophrenia itself. The cognitive symptoms associated with this disorder include lack of organization and planning, or difficulty to reach one’s goals. However, it doesn’t affect an individual’s intellect or learning abilities.
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Once it’s manifested, it evolves quickly
Schizophrenia appears in a progressive way and its development is slow. Most of the time, the first symptoms appear during adolescence, which can be mistaken for social impairment or lack of attention in school. This disease’s symptoms appear gradually and with age. The cases of teenagers listening to voices or hallucinating are not as common as those of adults who are diagnosed with schizophrenia.
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All of them have the same symptoms
Each person presents different levels of schizophrenia, and although many share the same symptoms, they vary in intensity. This is related to the stage of the disease, whether they’re medicated or not, or if they present any symptom at all. It’s not a standardized disease and each person reacts differently to it.
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It can only be cured with medication
The main medication prescribed to people with schizophrenia are antipsychotic drugs. However, people aren’t cured just by taking them. The patient must commit to a complete therapy and treatment to get better.
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It’s a flaw
Something that has to be very clear is that schizophrenia is not a disorder one can predict. Moreover, it’s not a matter of an imperfection in our personality that one can change willingly. It’s a matter that, with professional care, can be controlled.
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Schizophrenia is not a limitation. While it’s true that it is a disorder that affects the lives of those who present it, it can be easily controlled. With patience, support, and the right treatment, a person with schizophrenia can lead a normal life.
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Sources:
Psicoactiva
National Institute of Mental Health
The British Journal of Psychiatry
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Translated by María Isabel Carrasco Cara Chards