Schizophrenic is an outdated term used for someone living with schizophrenia.

It’s important to understand the negative impact the word has on people experiencing the severe mental illness, and why we should no longer use it.

Origins of the word schizophrenic

The term "schizophrenic" is from the early 20th century, derived from the Greek words "schizo" (meaning split) and "phren" (meaning mind). It was intended to describe the fragmented thinking and perception often associated with schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia does not mean split-personality

People experience schizophrenia differently. You might hallucinate, like hearing voices or seeing things other people don’t see. You might experience delusions, like the belief they’re being followed or that everyone is out to get them. 

But schizophrenia does not mean ‘split-personality’ - that is a myth born out of the origins of the word and a misunderstanding of the condition.

Learn the truth about schizophrenia.

Negative impact of the word “schizophrenic”

The term "schizophrenic" carries negative connotations. It reinforces stereotypes created by incorrect portrayals in popular culture, and reporting in the media, that people living with schizophrenia are violent, dangerous, and unpredictable. This leads to stigma and discrimination.

The importance of people-first language

We don’t only avoid using “schizophrenic” because it is outdated, incorrect and harmful. We also avoid it because labelling individuals based solely on their condition is disrespectful and isolating.

You wouldn’t, for example, refer to someone living with cancer as “cancerous”. Instead, we say some “lives with schizophrenia” or is “affected by schizophrenia” or “has a diagnosis of schizophrenia”.

Using respectful language creates a more inclusive and supportive environment for people affected by mental illness and helps break the stigma.