Wednesday, July 30, 2008

WHY MOST AMERICANS ARE “UNFAMILIAR” WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA?

In an article written by Heather C. Cobb in The NAMI Advocate Magazine, she quotes NAMI, Executive Director, Mike Fitzpatrick as saying “Americans are not sure what to think about schizophrenia.” The article is titled “Schizophrenia: A Reality Check,” and it reveals some really major statistics showing the gap between “the needs of individuals who live with schizophrenia, the needs of caregivers and public Attitudes.”

The article goes on to state that two million Americans live with this disease, and only one third receive treatment, although there is treatment available. “With medication, symptoms can be controlled successfully and 50 percent improve significantly or recover completely over time.” NAMI Advocate, Cobb, Heather C. p5.

NAMI Medical Director, Ken Duckworth served on the advisory committee for a report about how “public attitudes affect the acceptance of individuals living with the illness in the community and their access to healthcare.” The article goes on to state that the committee found it is addressed as a public health issue and a discrimination issue.

Mike Fitzpatrick states, “We know what to do to increase opportunities for recovery, but it requires public support, which depends on public attitudes.”

It is necessary to support this survey and help to change public attitude, so that more outlets for recovery are made aware of, and more sufferers get the help that is available to them.

You can find the results of the survey at HERE: