¶ … correction of seven myths about schizophrenia with implications for treatment (Harding and Zahniser, 1994) challenges commonly held notions about this disease through the use of empirical evidence. The authors believe these myths are dangerous to the treatment of schizophrenics because they limit the opportunities for recovery.
Myth 1 is that schizophrenia is not treatable. In reality, studies that have found that half to two thirds of patients have improved or recovered after treatment. Myth 2 is that all schizophrenics are all alike when, in fact, the demographics and situations of patients widely vary as does the disease itself. Myth 3 is that rehabilitation can begin only after stabilization. Although Harding and Zahniser are convincing in their argument that initial treatment has only been moderately successful, they provide no concrete evidence of their claims that immediate rehabilitation will increase a patient's self-esteem and lower symptoms. Myth 4 is that psychotherapy for schizophrenia has no value. On this matter, Harding and Zahniser are able to point to several interventions that have had a positive impact, including family interventions, group therapies tailored to the needs of persons with schizophrenia, and targeted cognitive remediation. Myth 5 is that patients will never be able to stop taking medication even though studies have found that patients were able to function without medication later on in their illnesses. The challenge to Myth 5, schizophrenics are either unable to work or can only achieve at a low level of function, is poorly disputed. The authors present evidence that work is good for mental health patients, but lack empirical evidence of schizophrenics functioning at a high level. Myth 7 is that families cause schizophrenia. However, studies have failed to show that family factors are necessary and sufficient causes of schizophrenia.
In challenging myths about schizophrenia, Harding and Zahniser do a better job at showings some myths to be false than they do for others. Still, their work is valuable across evaluating the merits of all myths because it encourages mental health professionals to challenge commonly held assumptions and to explore the unique needs of their patients.
Bibliography
Harding, C.M. And Zahniser J.H. (1994). Empirical correction of seven myths about schizophrenia with implications for treatment. Acta Psychiatr Scand 90(Suppl 384): 140.
