1. Once a schizophrenic always a schizophrenic.
Reality: Ever widening heterogeneity of outcome across time.
2. A schizophrenic is a schizophrenic is a schizophrenic.
Reality: Wide individual heterogeneity within the diagnostic category.
3. Rehabilitation can be provided only after stabilization.
Reality: Rehabilitation should begin on day 1.
4. Why bother with psychotherapy for schizophrenia ?
Reality: Supportive psychotherapy is crucial for integrating the experience and enhancing continued adult development.
5. Patients must be on medication all their lives.
Reality: It may be a small percentage who need medication all their lives.
6. People with schizophrenia cannot do anything except low-level jobs.
Reality: People with schizophrenia canm and do perform at every level of work.
7. Families are the etiological agents.
Reality: Families as collaborators can provide critical information and provide environments to lower a relative's vulnerability to episodes.
Dr. Harding and her co-author James H. Zahniser conclude:
" A longitudinal perspective about schizophrenia should imbue
everyone with a renewed sense of optimism. After studying
508 patients across 22 years, Huber and colleagues stated
that ' schizophrenia does not seem to be a disease of slow,
progressive deterioration. Even in the second and third
decades of illness, there is still potential for full or partial
recovery.'"