Survey Finds Many Americans
Misunderstand Mental Illness

Especially true for those with schizophrenia

(October 17, 2003) - Do you know someone with a mental illness? You probably do. One in five Americans experiences a mental illness each year.

Mental illness knows no age limits, economic status, race, creed or color. But many people with mental health needs do not receive the care, support or respect they deserve. Instead of compassion and acceptance, many are faced with misunderstanding, discrimination and hostility.

This is especially true for the 2.2 million Americans who are living with schizophrenia and for their families.

A recent national survey by the National Mental Health Association revealed that misconceptions strongly influence how the general public views schizophrenia. The survey found only 14 percent of the general public believes that people with schizophrenia can hold jobs and raise families. Further, only 27 percent of the general public believes that schizophrenia is treatable. In turn, this stigma impacts the ability of people with schizophrenia to access the treatments and services they need, such as:

• A place to live: Three-fourths (74 percent) of people with schizophrenia report having had difficulty finding a place to live.
• Community services: Less than half (48 percent) of people with schizophrenia and only one-third (35 percent) of caregivers think that adequate services are provided for people with mental illnesses.
• Quality health insurance: Only half (52 percent) of people with schizophrenia and one-fifth (21 percent) of caregivers agree that insurance coverage for mental illness is as good as the coverage for physical illness.
• Improved care: Nearly three-fourths (72 percent) of people with schizophrenia said that medication side effects significantly impact their lives.

The truth is that schizophrenia is a serious disorder that affects a person's thoughts, feelings and actions. Someone with schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is imaginary.

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The person may be unresponsive or withdrawn and may have difficulty expressing normal emotions in social situations. But schizophrenia is not the same as split personality or multiple personality. The vast majority of people with schizophrenia are not violent and do not pose a danger to others. More often, they are likely to be the victims of crime.

Finally, schizophrenia can be effectively treated and many people with this illness do lead productive and fulfilling lives. You can help eliminate the stigma surrounding schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.

To get all the facts, contact your local mental health association or the National Mental Health Association at 1-800-969-NMHA or visit www.nmha.org.

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