It's common to hear casual descriptions of "schizophrenic" behavior, describing a person oscillating between two extremes.
"I really want that luxurious Italian cashmere sweater," followed by "What am I saying? I can't even afford a $20 polyester top right now!"
I'm a professor of psychology who studies cognition and rehabilitation in schizophrenia, and I have found that these misunderstandings are not limited to the public. Health officials and political leaders who make critical decisions about funding and resources for schizophrenia can also hold these poorly informed views.
Better awareness is needed as researchers around the globe are actively studying a suite of innovative, non-drug treatments targeting the cognitive and social challenges common to the disorder.
Initial results from this research show great promise for therapeutic benefit. Unfortunately, few people with the disorder ever gain access to these treatments.
