One of the arguments in favour of renaming schizophrenia, not
mentioned by Lieberman and First 1, is that the word is a confusing
misnomer 2. Derived from the Greek for “split mind”, it was coined as a
descriptive term in the early twentieth century, when our understanding of
the phenomenon was very different to what it is today.
The semantics would be irrelevant were it not that the word is often
understood by the public as referring to split or dual personality,
suggestive of Jekyll and Hyde characters who are dangerously
unpredictable. We health professionals may be well aware that this is not
a valid description of the relatively common psychotic disorder, but this
is an insight not shared by all.
The word is stigmatising in an unusual way, in that much of the
negative public associations are not a result of the medical usage, but of
the (semantically legitimate) usage in another context altogether. It is
often used by those who wish to criticise perceived inconsistencies in the
behaviour of others. It is difficult to think of the name for any other
medical condition which, as a result of an alternative meaning, is used in
common speech in such a derogatory manner.
The concept of schizophrenia is indeed useful and almost certainly
valid. Unfortunately, in this case, semantics are a problem which should
not be ignored.
1. Lieberman J.A and First M.B. BMJ 2007; 334:108
2. Riordan D.V. “Split personality” and the stigma of schizophrenia.
Irish Journal of psychological medicine 2005; 22(4): 156.
Rapid Response:
Renaming Schizophrenia; stigma and semantics
One of the arguments in favour of renaming schizophrenia, not
mentioned by Lieberman and First 1, is that the word is a confusing
misnomer 2. Derived from the Greek for “split mind”, it was coined as a
descriptive term in the early twentieth century, when our understanding of
the phenomenon was very different to what it is today.
The semantics would be irrelevant were it not that the word is often
understood by the public as referring to split or dual personality,
suggestive of Jekyll and Hyde characters who are dangerously
unpredictable. We health professionals may be well aware that this is not
a valid description of the relatively common psychotic disorder, but this
is an insight not shared by all.
The word is stigmatising in an unusual way, in that much of the
negative public associations are not a result of the medical usage, but of
the (semantically legitimate) usage in another context altogether. It is
often used by those who wish to criticise perceived inconsistencies in the
behaviour of others. It is difficult to think of the name for any other
medical condition which, as a result of an alternative meaning, is used in
common speech in such a derogatory manner.
The concept of schizophrenia is indeed useful and almost certainly
valid. Unfortunately, in this case, semantics are a problem which should
not be ignored.
1. Lieberman J.A and First M.B. BMJ 2007; 334:108
2. Riordan D.V. “Split personality” and the stigma of schizophrenia.
Irish Journal of psychological medicine 2005; 22(4): 156.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests