The word schizophrenia comes from the Greek words schizo (splitting) and phren (mind). Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler first used the term in 1908 during a lecture at a German Psychiatric Association meeting in Berlin. Bleuler coined the term to describe the separation of function between personality, thinking, memory, and perception in his patients. He wanted to emphasize the mental confusion and fragmented thinking characteristic of people with the illness.

Today, schizophrenia is understood as a complex mental disorder characterized by a range of symptoms that can include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impaired cognitive function. It is not a “split mind,” as previously believed, but rather a disruption in the integration of thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Researchers now recognize that schizophrenia is a multifaceted condition influenced by genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors, requiring comprehensive treatment approaches tailored to individual needs.

If we were to rename schizophrenia, given what we know now, I contend that it should be Neurocognitive Harmony Disorder (NHD).  Other options might include:

• Cognitive Integration Disorder
• Perception-Reality Alignment Syndrome
• Cognitive Integrity Syndrome

But, really, what’s in a name?  Well, in this case, everything. The stigma around schizophrenia blinds many in the healthcare space.  Some hospitals will shove a clearly sick patient out the door, case managers will hand over a prescription and watch an ill person walk into the street knowing they have no roof over their head.  The media will shun them.  Their family won’t talk about it.  Their employer will let them go.  Schizophrenia is seen as the goblin that can’t be effectively treated.

Stigma surrounding schizophrenia has profound effects on individuals living with the condition. Here are some statistics that highlight its impact:

1. Employment Discrimination: According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 85% of individuals with severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, are unemployed. This high rate of unemployment is often attributed to stigma and discrimination in the workplace.
2. Treatment Delay: Studies have shown that stigma contributes to delays in seeking treatment for schizophrenia. Research published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that individuals experiencing stigma were less likely to seek help for mental health concerns, leading to delays in accessing appropriate treatment.
3. Social Rejection: The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that individuals with schizophrenia often face social rejection and isolation due to stigma surrounding their condition. This social rejection can exacerbate symptoms and decrease quality of life.
4. Healthcare Disparities: Stigma can lead to disparities in healthcare access and quality for individuals with schizophrenia. Research published in Psychiatric Services found that individuals with schizophrenia experience inequalities in healthcare delivery, resulting in suboptimal treatment outcomes and increased risk of relapse.
5. Decreased Treatment Adherence: Perceived stigma has been associated with lower treatment adherence among individuals with schizophrenia. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that stigma-related concerns contribute to poor medication adherence, leading to poorer treatment outcomes and increased risk of relapse.

These statistics underscore the detrimental impact of stigma on individuals with schizophrenia and highlight the urgent need for stigma-reduction efforts to improve outcomes and promote social inclusion.

Therefore, in honor of the recent International Schizophrenia Day, I celebrated International Neurocognitive Harmony Disorder Day! It sounds kindler and gentler, and I think that is so needed in our complex, chaotic world.

Schizophrenia and Other Related Disorders. Handbook For Caretakers