Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex, chronic brain disorder affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, sometimes causing hallucinations and delusions.
Myths vs. Reality
Common misconceptions circulating in regional Assam, contrasted with scientific facts.
Schizophrenia means 'split personality' or Dissociative Identity Disorder.
Schizophrenia does not mean multiple personalities. It refers to a disruption in the balance of thinking and emotions, sometimes leading to psychosis.
Schizophrenia is caused by spiritual possession or family sins.
This is a harmful superstition. Schizophrenia is a neurobiological medical condition that requires clinical treatment, similar to diabetes.
Lived Experience Perspective
"In our community, when I started hearing voices, they took me to a spiritual healer. My condition worsened. Only when my sister took me to a hospital in Tezpur did I get the medication I needed to live normally."
How to Support Someone
Here are direct, actionable guidelines for family members, educators, and peers.
- Do not argue with their delusions or hallucinations, but acknowledge their fear.
- Provide a quiet, calm, structured environment.
- Encourage and support adherence to psychiatric medication.
Local Care & Support Networks
Verified clinical support, institutions, and support centers located in Guwahati and Assam.
- LGBRIMH, Tezpur
The primary hospital for advanced schizophrenia care, rehabilitation, and family counseling.
- Psychiatry Outpatient Department, GMCH, Guwahati
Emergency psychiatric intervention and medication services.
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