In his column of Oct. 17, titled “Why Are You Running?” Brad Spencer attributes certain misconceived characteristics to people with schizophrenia. He writes, “being chased by a knife-wielding schizophrenic lunatic …”
How many people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia has Mr. Spencer encountered wielding a knife and/or were in a state of lunacy? According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia are not violent, dangerous people. I grew up with an aunt who was afflicted with schizophrenia. She was gentle but unfortunately often confused and disorganized in her thoughts. During the prime of her life, treatment was often limited to hospitalization. Today there is more hope for those with schizophrenia. New, safer medications, brain imaging, and the study of molecular genetics have been very helpful in improving understanding and treatment.
What seems to remain resistant to treatment is the stigma attributed to mental illness and the ignorance of the general public. The attempted humor referencing a “knife-wielding schizophrenic” demonstrates ignorance and a lack of sensitivity toward people with mental illness.
The future will hold solutions to mental illness, but I’m afraid the misconceptions may linger long after they have been disproved. The National Institute of Health has yet to give this malady a diagnosis. In the meantime, maybe Mr. Spencer should heed Paul Oppenheim’s suggestion in his rebuttal to get out and run. He might even be exposed to the diversity in the world.
Jerry Miliszkiewicz
