1) Schizophrenia means having a split personality.

False. Schizophrenia is an illness that makes it hard for a person to understand reality. People with schizophrenia may think things that do not make sense. But they do not have more than one personality.

2) People with schizophrenia are violent.

False. Most people with schizophrenia are not violent. In fact, people with schizophrenia will often be quiet and withdrawn.

3) Schizophrenia is common.

True. Approximately 2.5 million Americans -- almost one out of 100 adults -- have schizophrenia.

4) Schizophrenia starts late in life.

False. For 75 percent of the people with schizophrenia, the illness first started between the ages of thirteen and 25.

5) A person with schizophrenia cannot work.

False. Fifteen percent of people with schizophrenia currently have jobs. As medicines continue to get better, even more people with schizophrenia will be able to work.

6) Schizophrenia is a biological illness.

True. Much still needs to be learned about schizophrenia, but scientists now think it is caused by an imbalance in brain chemicals.

7) Schizophrenia can be treated.

True. New drugs to help people with schizophrenia, such as Risperdal and Zyprexa, are constantly being developed.

8) Schizophrenia runs in families.

True. A person is more likely to have schizophrenia if a member of the family has schizophrenia.

9) Schizophrenia is more common among unintelligent people.

False. Anyone, smart or not smart, can have schizophrenia. Also, it does not matter what race you are or if you are male or female. Anyone can get schizophrenia.

10) Schizophrenia can strike children.

True. Few people get schizophrenia before the age of twelve, but it does happen.