COUNTLESS myths abound about schizophrenia, and this, often coupled with negative reporting in the press has led to increased stigma and decreased understanding of what can be a treatable disease.

Saturday, May 9, is National Schizophrenia Awareness Day and its organisers hope that it will help to dismiss some of the fallacies surrounding the condition, as well as providing a platform of support for sufferers and their loved ones.

Schizophrenia is a common mental health illness, affecting 1 in 100 individuals. More common in men, first symptoms usually occur in early adulthood. An initial episode is described as psychosis. If symptoms persist, a formal diagnosis of schizophrenia can be made by a psychiatrist with a specific interest in the disease.

Symptoms are classified neatly into two categories, positive and negative. Yet positive doesn’t equate to good. Hallucinations affect all the five senses, with sounds and sights that only the sufferer can appreciate being the most common.

Delusions can be those of being persecuted, and that everyone is against you. Conversely they can be of grandeur, for example that you are a superstar. Disordered thinking manifests as talking in a manner that others may struggle to understand, or randomly switching between subjects with no clear link in the conversation.

Negative symptoms share a lot in common with those of depression and include a withdrawal from society, reduced interest in activities and interactions you used to enjoy as well as lack of self-care.

There are numerous risk factors for developing schizophrenia from complications during pregnancy through to a stressful life event. And while genetics play a role, 60 percent of those with schizophrenia have no family history of the condition.

There is a proven link between long-term cannabis use and schizophrenia, which may develop several years after discontinuing the drug.

Shockingly people with schizophrenia die on average 15-20 years before their “well” counterparts.

Untreated physical illnesses including heart disease, diabetes and obesity are common. Many early deaths are preventable. Homelessness and poverty also play a role.

In addition to the stigma attached to the disease, persons with schizophrenia may lack the insight into the fact that they are ill. This can affect up to 50%.

A common misconception is that those with schizophrenia are a risk to others, but most are not violent, and indeed the risk to self is far greater.

Schizophrenia does not just affect the fringes of society, the risk factors are so varied that it could happen to anyone. It affects some of the brightest and most talented members of society.

It is also eminently treatable, especially if this begins after a first episode of psychosis. Anti-psychotic medication has come a long way in the last 30 years, and many of the unpleasant side effects are reduced in newer medications. The baseline of successful treatment involves providing continued support for the individual and their loved ones.

The basics, such as clean housing, good food, gentle exercise and regular routine with appropriate support should not be underestimated.

Useful websites:

www.rethink.org

www.sane.org

www.mind.org.uk