One of the most misused psychiatric terms is the word "schizophrenia". Referring to schizophrenia as a "split personality" is just one of the many misconceptions people have regarding this illness which affects 1% of South Africans.

We gave Health24 users the opportunity to post questions to Dr Henk Temmingh, a specialist in psychosis-related disorders at Valkenburg Hospital. Cape Support for Mental Health, a support group for family members and caregivers of people with schizophrenia, also participated.

Here are some of the interesting questions users asked:

Is schizophrenia a split personality?

How is a diagnosis made?

What are the causes?

Is it true that Ritalin can cause schizophrenia?

Is it possible to recover from schizophrenia?

Meds: Are you allowed to drive?

What is the difference between twasa and schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia or just normal teen rebellious behaviour?

Should I be worried about my friend?

Dr Henk Temmingh, senior lecturer and specialist at Valkenburg Hospital's Acute Admissions Unit, was one of our guest experts. He mostly deals with psychosis-related disorders and has an interest in dual diagnosis and the epidemiology of psychosis.

For more information on schizophrenia, click here
For information on psychosis, click here

Useful contact numbers:
Cape Support for Mental Health (021) 671 1573
Mental Health Information Centre (021) 938 9229

(Health24, August 2008, updated July 2012)