Understanding Schizophrenia: Breaking the Stigma and Offering Support

Schizophrenia is a term that describes a major psychiatric disorder that alters an individual’s perception, thought, affect and behaviour. It affects approximately 1 in 300 people worldwide (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022), and in Malaysia estimates range between 0.2% to 0.3% (60,000 to 100,000) of the population, which aligns with the global average (Institute for Public Health, 2023; Ministry of Health Malaysia [MOH], 2022). 

Despite its prevalence, misconceptions and stigma often prevent individuals from seeking or receiving help. The Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology (MSCP) aims to raise awareness, promote understanding, and guide those in need toward appropriate support with this article.

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What Is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder which affects an individual’s perception, thought, affect and behaviour, which can have detrimental effects if not managed properly and effectively.

Some major or common symptoms include:

• Hallucinations – hearing or seeing things that aren’t there

• Delusions – strongly held false beliefs (e.g., thinking that there is someone out to get them/life is in danger when there is no evidence to back it up with)

• Disorganized thinking and speech

• Social withdrawal 

• Reduced emotional expression

• Decreased hygiene and self-care practices 

Disproving Myths

With every condition there come beliefs that people may hold that just aren’t true. Some of them may include the following (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2020).

Schizophrenia is a "split personality" disorder

• FALSE! Schizophrenia is a disorder with perception, thought, affect and behaviour, which means that these individuals have difficulty determining what is real or created in their mind.

Schizophrenics are dangerous and violent people

• FALSE! Most individuals with schizophrenia are not violent—rather, they are more likely to be victims of violence or self-harm. Sometimes these individuals may act a certain manner because they are scared and are unable to determine what is real and not. 

Bad parenting or personal weakness causes schizophrenia

• FALSE! Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder with biological roots, including genetics, brain chemistry imbalances (e.g., dopamine), and environmental triggers (e.g., prenatal infections, trauma) (APA, 2013). Blaming families perpetuates stigma.

People with schizophrenia can’t recover or live normal lives

• FALSE! With early treatment (antipsychotics, therapy, social support), many manage symptoms effectively. Some regain full functioning, especially with community-based care (WHO, 2022).

Only medication helps—therapy is useless

• FALSE! While medication is the first line of defence for schizophrenia in order to manage their symptoms, psychosocial therapies (CBT, family therapy, vocational rehab) improve outcomes by addressing coping skills and social integration.

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What Can I (the Public) Do To Help?

1. Educate Yourself

   1. Learn about schizophrenia from reliable sources like WHO, NIMH, MOH, or MSCP.

      
      

2. Offer Support, Not Judgment

   1. Be empathetic and avoid stigmatizing language.

   2. Stop saying things such as “you will snap out of it” or “its all in your head”. 

   3. If you see someone that appears to be talking to themselves on the street, instead of judging and walking away, call for help (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat)

      

3. Encourage Professional Help 

   1. If someone shows symptoms, gently suggest consulting a mental health professional.

   2. Try to not send them alternative forms of medicine as it has been shown to cause more harm rather than good down the road. 

   3. Most health facilities in Malaysia provide Mental Health Services that focus on mental health promotion and provide early detection and treatment for people with mental disorders

      1. MOH/KKM facilities – referral for psychiatric services 

         1. Referral letter from GP (private or government (Klinik Kesihatan))

      2. MSCP website - Find a Clinical Psychologist

         
         

4. Advocate for Mental Health Services

   1. Support policies improving access to mental healthcare in Malaysia.

      
      
      
      

In Conclusion

Schizophrenia is a treatable condition, and management is possible with the right support. MSCP urges Malaysians to break the stigma, seek knowledge, and extend compassion to those affected.

For media inquiries or further information, contact:

Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology (MSCP)

Email: mscp.info@gmail.com | Website: mscp

References

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).

2. Institute for Public Health (IPH), Malaysia. (2023). National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS).

3. Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH). (2022). Annual Report on Mental Health Services.

4. National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Schizophrenia.

5. World Health Organization. (2022). Schizophrenia.