It’s common to hear casual descriptions of “schizophrenic” behavior, describing a person oscillating between two extremes.

“I really want that luxurious Italian cashmere sweater,” followed by “What am I saying? I can’t even afford a $20 polyester top right now!”

I’m a professor of psychology who studies cognition and rehabilitation in schizophrenia, and I have found that these misunderstandings are not limited to the public. Health officials and political leaders who make critical decisions about funding and resources for schizophrenia can also hold these poorly informed views.

Better awareness is needed as researchers around the globe are actively studying a suite of innovative, non-drug treatments targeting the cognitive and social challenges common to the disorder.

Initial results from this research show great promise for therapeutic benefit. Unfortunately, few people with the disorder ever gain access to these treatments.

What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia as it is currently known by specialists was first described in 1899 by Emil Kraepelin, a German psychiatrist who combined several disorders previously thought to be separate under a single label. He called it “dementia praecox,” or early-onset dementia.

According to Kraepelin, schizophrenia could be recognized by several key symptoms. One was hearing illusory voices that often commanded the patient to take specific actions like “throw the cup of water you are holding into the face of the psychiatrist trying to interview you.” Another was holding strange beliefs, such as “A communication device has been placed inside my brain and is transmitting my thoughts to the........

© The Conversation