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Facts and Myths about Mental Illness
NARSAD Publishes Top
10 Myths About Mental Illness Based on Nationwide Survey
(Great Neck, New
York. November 2001). Misconceptions about mental illness are pervasive, and
the lack of understanding can have serious consequences for millions of
people who have a psychiatric illness, according to the
National Alliance
for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD). The largest
not-for-profit organization raising and distributing funds for psychiatric
research, NARSAD surveyed mental health professionals nationwide to
determine the most common myths about mental illness. NARSAD received 102
responses from the experts, who included members of NARSAD’s Scientific
Council and psychiatrists around the country.
"Misconceptions about mental illness contribute to the
stigma, which leads many people to be ashamed and prevents them from seeking
help," said Constance Lieber, NARSAD President. "Dispelling these myths is a
powerful step toward eradicating the stigma and allaying the fears
surrounding brain disorders."
Top Ten Myths about Mental Illness
Myth #1: Psychiatric disorders are not true medical
illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. People who have a mental illness
are just "crazy."
Fact: Brain disorders,
like heart disease and diabetes, are legitimate medical illnesses. Research
shows there are genetic and biological causes for psychiatric disorders, and
they can be treated effectively.
Myth #2: People with a severe mental illness, such as
schizophrenia, are usually dangerous and violent.
Fact: Statistics show
that the incidence of violence in people who have a brain disorder is not
much higher than it is in the general population. Those suffering from a
psychosis such as schizophrenia are more often frightened, confused and
despairing than violent.
Myth #3: Mental illness is the result of bad
parenting.
Fact: Most experts agree
that a genetic susceptibility, combined with other risk factors, leads to a
psychiatric disorder. In other words, mental illnesses have a physical
cause.
Myth #4: Depression results from a personality
weakness or character flaw, and people who are depressed could just snap out
of it if they tried hard enough.
Fact: Depression has
nothing to do with being lazy or weak. It results from changes in brain
chemistry or brain function, and medication and/or psychotherapy often help
people to recover.
Myth #5: Schizophrenia means split personality, and
there is no way to control it.
Fact: Schizophrenia is
often confused with multiple personality disorder. Actually,
schizophrenia is a brain disorder that robs people of their ability to think
clearly and logically. The estimated 2.5 million Americans with
schizophrenia have symptoms ranging from social withdrawal to hallucinations
and delusions. Medication has helped many of these individuals to lead
fulfilling, productive lives.
Myth #6: Depression is a normal part of the aging
process.
Fact: It is not
normal for older adults to be depressed. Signs of depression in older people
include loss of interest in activities, sleep
disturbances and lethargy. Depression in the elderly is often undiagnosed,
and it is important for seniors and their family members to recognize the
problem and seek professional help.
Myth #7: Depression and other illnesses, such as
anxiety disorders, do not affect children or adolescents. Any problems they
have are just a part of growing up.
Fact: Children and
adolescents can develop severe mental illnesses. In the United States, one
in ten children and adolescents has a mental disorder severe enough to cause
impairment. However, only about 20 percent of these children receive needed
treatment. Left untreated, these problems can get worse. Anyone talking
about suicide should be taken very seriously.
Myth #8: If you have a mental illness, you can will it
away. Being treated for a psychiatric disorder means an individual has in
some way "failed" or is weak.
Fact: A serious mental
illness cannot be willed away. Ignoring the problem does not make it go
away, either. It takes courage to seek professional help.
Myth #9: Addiction is a lifestyle choice and shows a
lack of willpower. People with a substance abuse problem are morally weak or
"bad".
Fact: Addiction is a
disease that generally results from changes in brain chemistry. It has
nothing to do with being a "bad" person.
Myth #10: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), formerly
known as "shock treatment," is painful and barbaric.
Fact: ECT has given a
new lease on life to many people who suffer from severe and debilitating
depression. It is used when other treatments such as psychotherapy or
medication fail or cannot be used. Patients who receive ECT are asleep and
under anesthesia, so they do not feel anything.
"These misconceptions can do irreparable harm to
people with legitimate illnesses who should and can be
treated," said Herbert Pardes, M.D., President of NARSAD’s Scientific
Council.
"Research in brain disorders is flourishing, and we
expect to see new and better treatments that will have the power to change
lives and bring hope to many," said Lieber.
The Toll of Mental Illness
One in five Americans suffers from a diagnosable
mental illness in a given year. But statistics show that only one-third of
these individuals seek treatment.
Four of the 10 leading causes of disability worldwide
are mental disorders. Among developed nations, including the United States,
major depression is the leading cause of disability. Also near the top of
these rankings are manic-depressive illness, schizophrenia, and
obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The direct cost of mental health services, which
includes spending for treatment and rehabilitation, is approximately $69
billion in the United States. Indirect costs, which refer to lost
productivity at the workplace, school, and home, are estimated at $78.6
billion.
About NARSAD
NARSAD is the leading donor-supported organization
funding research in brain disorders. Since 1987, NARSAD has awarded $115.9
million in grants to 1,372 scientists at 175 leading universities and
research centers worldwide. Grantees are chosen by NARSAD’s Scientific
Review Council, which is composed of 72 prominent scientists and academic
leaders in all phases of neurobiological and psychiatric research.
http://www.mhagstl.org/myths.htm 
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