Use Term ‘Schizo’ With Greater Care

* Your April 22 Metro section contained an article on the changeable weather conditions which began with the sentence “Mother Nature’s going schizo.”

I have seen this term, and the word schizophrenic, used in the Sports, Calendar and Business sections. While the use of those terms in those contexts might be catchy, it demonstrates a tremendous lack of understanding and compassion.

For the last 15 years, our family has struggled in frustration and helplessness as a beloved and innocent family member has suffered the ravages of schizophrenia, with no hope of a cure in sight.

While it can take many forms, schizophrenia is generally characterized by disordered thinking, loss of touch with reality, terrifying visual and auditory hallucinations, and inappropriate emotional responses.

Research, much of which has taken place at UC Irvine, has demonstrated the organic and chemical causes of schizophrenia. The notion of schizophrenia as behavior in the extremes is outdated and simplistic.

I would suggest your reporters, columnists and editors confine use of these terms to articles dealing with schizophrenia as one of the most devastating mental illnesses which can afflict a human being.

Not only will your reporting be more accurate and insightful, you will be fulfilling one of your core missions, to educate and inform.

JANET HUSTON

Tustin