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Schizophrenia: what the Arabic terms mean

Fahad AlmalikMedical review: Tatmeen team5 min read
امرأة بمعطف أبيض تشير إلى رسم للدماغ أثناء حديثها مع رجل جالس أمامها.
Article contents
  1. Schizophrenia does not mean multiple personalities
  2. Does schizophrenia mean someone cannot have an ordinary life?
  3. If you have recently heard the diagnosis, what can you ask?
  4. Frequently Asked Questions
  5. Sources and references
  6. Writer and reviewer

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects thinking, perception, emotions and behavior1. In Arabic, it may be described as either a “psychological” or a “mental” illness. These words do not mean two different conditions, or that one is mild while the other means permanent loss of reason. Clinically, what matters is the nature and impact of the symptoms2, assessment and the care the person needs.

Choosing one of these words does not determine someone’s future or treatment. Medication, psychological treatment, and family and social support can work together in schizophrenia care1. What the person needs is discussed with them according to their situation and goals, rather than decided by the word “mental” or “psychological.”

Schizophrenia does not mean multiple personalities

The Arabic expression «انفصام الشخصية», sometimes used for schizophrenia, can suggest “split personality” and cause confusion. The medical condition discussed here is schizophrenia. It is different from dissociative identity disorder2, previously called multiple personality disorder3.

Term What it means
Schizophrenia A condition that can include hallucinations, fixed beliefs not based in reality and difficulty organizing thoughts, alongside other problems with motivation, attention or everyday functioning.
Psychosis A group of symptoms affecting the perception of reality, such as hallucinations and delusions. Psychosis can occur in schizophrenia or other conditions; it does not establish schizophrenia by itself.
Dissociative identity disorder A different disorder that can involve distinct identities and gaps in memory and needs specialist assessment. It is not another name for schizophrenia.

These distinctions help you understand medical language3; they are not a table for diagnosing yourself or someone else. Hearing voices or changes in behavior can have several causes, including health conditions, medicines or substances4. A name found online cannot settle the cause.

Does schizophrenia mean someone cannot have an ordinary life?

Symptoms can be severe at times, but their impact and course vary2. Care can help people continue studying, working and building relationships1, while others may need more support or support for longer. A diagnosis alone cannot tell you someone's future or all of their abilities.

It is more useful to move from judging the label to a specific question: what is difficult for the person now, and what do they want to regain? Their goal may be returning to classes, sleeping better or having a conversation without voices distracting them. Ask what they need rather than speaking about them as though they are absent. Participation in care decisions1 is an important part of support.

If you have recently heard the diagnosis, what can you ask?

You do not have to understand everything at the first appointment. Ask the clinician for a clear explanation:

  • Is the diagnosis confirmed, or do we currently know only that there are psychotic symptoms needing follow-up?
  • What other causes or conditions have you assessed?
  • What is the purpose of each part of the care plan, and what signs should prompt urgent contact?
  • How will the person take part in decisions, and which family members do they want involved?

If a relative asks, “Does that mean they've become someone else?” you could respond: “Schizophrenia doesn't mean having two personalities2. Let's understand what they're experiencing and what help they want.” Saying “a person with schizophrenia” keeps the person distinct from the diagnosis1.

If there is no diagnosis yet, do not wait to settle whether to call the problem mental or psychological. Seek prompt medical assessment of new symptoms or symptoms affecting everyday life. If there is a risk of harm, voices telling someone to cause harm, severe agitation, rapidly worsening hallucinations, sudden confusion, or speech that does not make sense, get immediate help. In Saudi Arabia, call 997 for an ambulance. While safety can be maintained, 937 can offer consultation about the next step7; do not use it to delay an ambulance call6.

For assessment, treatment and family communication, read Schizophrenia: symptoms, treatment and family support.

If a child or adolescent has these symptoms, seek prompt assessment from a specialist8 with relevant expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is schizophrenia a mental or a psychological illness?

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects thinking, perception, emotions and behavior. In Arabic, it may be described as either a “psychological” or a “mental” illness, but these words do not mean two different conditions, or that one is mild while the other means permanent loss of reason. Choosing one of these words does not determine someone’s future or treatment.

Is schizophrenia the same as split personality?

No. The Arabic expression «انفصام الشخصية», sometimes used for schizophrenia, can suggest “split personality” and cause confusion. Schizophrenia can include hallucinations, fixed beliefs not based in reality and difficulty organizing thoughts. Dissociative identity disorder, previously called multiple personality disorder, is a different disorder that can involve distinct identities and gaps in memory. It is not another name for schizophrenia.

Can someone with schizophrenia have an ordinary life?

A diagnosis alone cannot tell you someone's future or all of their abilities. Symptoms can be severe at times, but their impact and course vary. Care can help people continue studying, working and building relationships, while others may need more support or support for longer. Medication, psychological treatment, and family and social support can work together in schizophrenia care.

What is the difference between schizophrenia and psychosis?

Psychosis is a group of symptoms affecting the perception of reality, such as hallucinations and delusions. It can occur in schizophrenia or other conditions, and it does not establish schizophrenia by itself. Hearing voices or changes in behavior can have several causes, including health conditions, medicines or substances, so a name found online cannot settle the cause.

When should I get urgent help for schizophrenia symptoms?

Get immediate help if there is a risk of harm, voices telling someone to cause harm, severe agitation, rapidly worsening hallucinations, sudden confusion, or speech that does not make sense. In Saudi Arabia, call 997 for an ambulance. While safety can be maintained, 937 can offer consultation about the next step; do not use it to delay an ambulance call. New symptoms, or symptoms affecting everyday life, need prompt medical assessment.

Writing and article review

Fahad AlmalikWritten byFahad Almalik

Content writer and researcher at Tatmeen, writing in Arabic and English about mental health and everyday life, from relationships and stress to work, habits, and family.

Tatmeen teamMedical reviewTatmeen team

Every Tatmeen article is reviewed by care providers licensed by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, so what you read is accurate and trustworthy.

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