Myths & Biases

There are many misconceptions about psychosis that can deeply affect the well-being and quality of life of those who experience it. As clinicians, it is our responsibility not only to recognize and challenge these myths but also to serve as advocates, amplifying the voices of those we work with and promoting more compassionate, informed, and human-centered care.

When you hear the media or even those around you talk about someone experiencing psychosis, what kinds of words come to mind? Terms such as “abnormal,” “dangerous,” and “dysfunctional” are often used. But these descriptions could not be further from the truth. In fact, research consistently challenges these harmful stereotypes, painting a far more nuanced picture.

Below are some examples of harmful myths about individuals who experience voice hearing or unshared realities:

Myth #1:

"Individuals with Psychosis are Violent"

News coverage that involves mental health is often tied to homicide and violent criminal activity.
Although having a psychiatric diagnosis is associated with an increased risk of violent behavior, the likelihood is still extremely low.
Risk factors such as being male, being young, having a history of violence, and engaging in substance use are all elements that have a higher correlation to violent behavior than having a psychiatric diagnosis.
Individuals who are diagnosed with disorders such as psychosis are more likely to be victims of a violent crime than the latter due to increased vulnerability and stigma associated with these labels (Cooke, 2017).

Myth #2:

"Psychosis is Untreatable."

Substantial research shows that symptomatic remission and recovery are possible for many people after a first episode of psychosis, especially when early and effective support is provided (Lally et al., 2017).
Recovery models emphasize meaning, empowerment, and hope, rather than focusing only on symptom reduction, and show that these psychological and social factors are linked to better outcomes (Leendertse et al., 2021).

Myth #3:

"People with Psychosis Cannot Live Meaningful Lives."

Long-term studies show that many people with psychotic disorders make meaningful gains over time, including improvements in daily functioning, work participation, and stable social relationships.
Recovery involves multiple dimensions, such as personal development, a sense of identity and purpose, and connection with others, rather than being defined only by changes in clinical symptoms.

Myth #4:

"Hallucinations are Always Negative."

Hallucinations do not always involve distress or threat. Some individuals report voices or perceptual experiences that are neutral, supportive, or emotionally soothing, and many people who have these experiences do not require or pursue clinical care (Cooke, 2017).
Experiences such as hearing voices are not, by themselves, signs of mental illness and occur in a significant minority of the general population without the presence of a psychiatric disorder (Karon, 2008).

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Sources:

Cooke, A.. (2017). Understanding psychosis and schizophrenia (revised): Cover. The British Psychological Society. https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsrep.2017.rep03

Karon, B. P. (2008). An “incurable” Schizophrenic: The case of mr. X. Pragmatic Case Studies in Psychotherapy, 4(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.14713/pcsp.v4i1.923

Lally, J., Ajnakina, O., Stubbs, B., Cullinane, M., Murphy, K. C., Gaughran, F., & Murray, R. M. (2017). Remission and recovery from first-episode psychosis in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis of long-term outcome studies. British Journal of Psychiatry, 211(6), 350–358. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.117.201475

Leendertse, J. C. P., Wierdsma, A. I., van den Berg, D., Ruissen, A. M., Slade, M., Castelein, S., & Mulder, C. L. (2021). Personal Recovery in People With a Psychotic Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Associated Factors. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 622628. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.622628