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? Often, terms like “abnormal,” “dangerous,” or “dysfunctional” are 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 these harmful biases:

Stigma & fear-mongering in the media:

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).

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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