Myth: The development of schizophrenia cannot be prevented.
Truth: This is false.
Schizophrenia is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized behaviour and can impact an individual’s ability to function well in daily activities. Since it is highly stigmatized in society and the media, research has been devoted to preventing the development of schizophrenia.
According to a study published in Science, psychosis is actually a later progression of schizophrenia, and symptoms of psychosis may be identified earlier than an individual’s first psychotic episode. Research suggests that preventing schizophrenia may be possible as early as in the womb, with mothers supplementing during their pregnancy with choline. To read more about the warning signs and environmental factors contributing to schizophrenia, click here.
Reference
- Couzin-Frankel, J. Scientists are learning to predict psychosis years in advance-and possibly prevent it. Science Magazine. 2017 November 16. http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/11/scientists-are-learning-predict-psychosis-years-advance-and-possibly-prevent-it
