Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.
SaneboContributor
SANE Australia has called for a national discussion on whether to change the name of Schizophrenia - https://www.sane.org/sane-media/news-comment
Some people - including people living with schizophrenia, their family and friends and mental health professionals - strongly support a change but others are not so sure.
Some research suggests it would help other research says its not definitive.
How do you see it?
In response to: Schizophrenia: Should we change the name?
NikNikSenior Contributor
Hi @Sanebo
I found this part of the article particularly interesting:
"In Japan, after they changed the name, psychiatrists were almost twice as likely to tell their patients about their diagnosis. Furthermore, 86 per cent of psychiatrists said it was also easier to talk to their families and discuss the treatments available."
What do others think?
In response to: Schizophrenia: Should we change the name?
RosieSenior Contributor
Hi @Sanebo
Yep, we should. Manic-depression was renamed and got a bit of a "stigma makeover", why not? I think its a good thing to talk about because it would be empowering for people who live with it to take part in the name change. Is the pupose only to reduce stigma? Or is there a medical argument to 'reclassify it' - I don't really know. But the purpose should be clear and there should be sound research and theory as to why and how it might be changed.
In response to: Schizophrenia: Should we change the name?
ivanaSenior Contributor
I think so.
Its only part of the picture regarding removing stigma but i think a name change would be a good start.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
Fields marked * are required
