Should Schizophrenia Be Renamed?
Schizophrenia Digest was renamed to SZ Magazine
Should We Work To Change The Name Of Schizophrenia – Or Change Peoples Attitudes About It – What Are Your Thoughts?
I had lunch the other day with Magpie Media’s group publisher and the chief executive officer of a schizophrenia organization, and as we were all chatting the subject of the name of schizophrenia came up. I was telling my colleagues a little about SZ, our schizophrenia magazine, and that it was formerly named Schizophrenia Digest for many years. In fact, that name was so well branded that many people still refer to the magazine as Schizophrenia Digest. We got to talking about the term ‘schizophrenia’ and the stigma surrounding it. Not surprisingly, the question of whether we should change the name of schizophrenia to something else came up. A movement to change the name to one that includes the word ‘psychosis’ is nothing new.
In my opinion, I think it is more important to focus on recovery. I consider myself recovered from schizophrenia because I define recovery as reaching a point where you wouldn’t want to be anyone else than who you are. That is how I feel about myself and my life. It is important to know that recovery is not easy—it certainly wasn’t for me. To get to the stage I am at now, I had to survive six hospitalizations and spend time in three group homes. I tried to kill myself because I felt there was nothing worth living for. I spent five years lying in the couch in a deep depression because my diagnosis led to the loss of my house, my financial security, my job, and my friends. Suddenly I was just another one out of 100 who was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Why couldn’t I be one of the other 99?
I don’t feel that way anymore. I have a wonderful life that I am grateful for: I am married with three children and I run a successful business. But it sure wasn’t easy. Only by the grace of God did I get to where I am today.
And so what about the name ‘schizophrenia?’ Well, I always use the analogy of war: Canada and the U.S. are still part of the war in Afghanistan. Before the war even started, you can bet that the military was well educated on its enemy’s air force, infantry, navy, nuclear power, etc. Much in the same way, I looked at my enemy (schizophrenia) and learned about the positive symptoms, negative symptoms, medication, psychosocial support, etc. If I didn’t know about my illness, how could I live with it every day? And, frankly, what will happen if we change the name of ‘schizophrenia?’ The first time someone new hears the new name he/she will ask, “What is that?” and we’ll end up saying, “Oh, it used to be called schizophrenia.” We’ll never get away from the term ‘schizophrenia,’ no matter how many times we change it.
What we really need is improved education. So many people still have no idea about what schizophrenia really is, and we need to make people more aware of its symptoms and prevalence. What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts on changing the name. Send me an email at bmacphee@magpiemags.com or comment in this blog to share your thoughts.
Yes my son has schizophrenia and he hates it. It makes him feel very ashamed
Comment by Helen on July 11, 2012 at 10:48 amI was diagnosed with schizophrenia ten years ago, and this debate was going on at that time. Honestly I thought it was a silly argument then and I still do. Especially if it is replaced in some way by the term psychosis. My experience, and I admit it is exactly that, if I say I have schizophrenia people want to find out more about my experience with the disease. On the other hand if I were to mention psychosis people tend to run away as fast as they can. Not to mention that as somebody in recovery, not recovered, after all it is a chronic illness and I realize I can have a relapse. Although I’ve been good for five years now. I am proud to say that I have survived having schizophrenia.
Comment by Chris Rogers on July 11, 2012 at 4:14 pmDespite all efforts to change public attitudes, that word “schizophrenia” still brings up images of violence and death, enhanced in people’s minds by media reports. Statements denouncing its prevalance won’t change that perception. Frankly, I cringe at the word and substitute another like “brain chemical disorder” or “bcd” (which confuses them entirely) when conversing with others about my son who also has trouble with the word “schzophrenia” and attracts abuse because of it. Besides, it is a misnomer meaning “split” which doesn’t apply to this type of brain.
It would be great if all people with the illness were able to be so successfully recovered as others. But there are many who aren’t. Why should they carry the extra burden of a description that further stigmatizes them?
Let’s change the name.
Comment by Barbara Joy on July 15, 2012 at 2:44 pm