Out of our mind – why we need to change the way we think about psychiatric diseases

Schizophrenia often exists in the shadows of public awareness, surrounded by fear, myths, and stigma. People frequently confuse it with “split personalities,” violence, or criminal behavior, leading to underdiagnosis, undertreatment, and social exclusion.

This talk unpacks what schizophrenia really is, exploring the brain mechanisms, symptoms, and factors that shape its progression. We will trace how scientific understanding has evolved - from early theories to cutting-edge neuroscienc. and why treatment progress remains challenging. You’ll also see how researchers study the brain using genetics, animal models, and other tools, despite the complexity and diversity of symptoms.

The presentation invites you to question assumptions, replace fear with empathy, and see schizophrenia through the lens of science, curiosity, and understanding. No prior knowledge is required - just an open mind!

(Photo: AI-generated illustration prompted by Isabel Neumann)