British Columbia Schizophrenia Society

Test yourself, then check the answers (given at the end of the quiz) to see how you scored.

1. What are your chances of getting schizophrenia?

1 in 100

10 in 100
3 in 100

2. Schizophrenia generally strikes older people

True

False

3. Schizophrenia is a split personality.

True

False

4. The number of people who have schizophrenia in B.C. would,…

…fill a theatre

…fill a football stadium
…fill a small city

5. Schizophrenia is a brain disease caused by:

something wrong in the brain chemistry

bad childhood
smoking marijuana / using cannabis

6. Schizophrenia is an illness which can most often be treated.

True

False

7. People who suffer from schizophrenia commit more acts of violence per capita.

True

False

8. How many people with schizophrenia will recover?

None
25%
all

9. People with schizophrenia live mostly…

…on their own

…with their families
…in hospital

10. There is enough money going into schizophrenia research

True

False

ANSWERS

Question 1 If no relative is ill: 1 in 100; if a brother or sister is ill: 10 in 100; if aunt, uncle or grandparent is ill: 3 in 100.

Question 2 False. It generally hits between 17 and 30. Onset after 40 is rare. There is also a rare form of childhood schizophrenia.

Question 3 False. Split personality is a totally different and very rare disease. Schizophrenia is a common disease.

Question 4 About 30,000 people in B.C. have schizophrenia, enough for a small city.

Question 5 I. is correct, II. is a myth, III. street drugs may trigger, but do not cause schizophrenia.

Question 6 True. Medications used are non-addictive and quite effective for symptom-control. They do not cure and may have severe side effects.

Question 7 False. Many people believe this, but indeed, those suffering from schizophrenia commit fewer violent acts than the average person.

Question 8 25% will recover, 25% will improve with treatment and be relatively independent, 25% will need extensive community support, 15% will not improve and need hospitalization, 10% suicide.

Question 9 Most live with their families or in other forms of supported housing. About 5% are in psychiatric hospitals.

Question 10 False. Unlike heart disease and cancer, this disease of the brain is largely ignored. For every cancer victim about $ 400 is spent on research; for every schizophrenia victim only $ 11 is spent on research.

HOW DID YOU SCORE?

10 right…Are you in schizophrenia research?
5-10 right…Not bad, you are well informed.
0-5 right…Have a look at our information and resources section on this website for more information.

Thanks for doing the Quiz!

SCHIZOPHRENIA - THE MORE WE KNOW ABOUT IT, THE MORE WE CAN HELP.