Emil Kraepelin

New therapies help people with schizophrenia – but access is woefully inadequate

<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/751315/original/file-20260730-70-9im515.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1&rect=0%2C1%2C8660%2C5773&q=45&auto=format&w=1050&h=700&fit=crop" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Schizophrenia is among the top 10 leading causes of disability, according to the World Health Organization.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/senior-asian-woman-expressing-concern-during-royalty-free-image/2267161347?show-asset-scope=true">ATHVisions/E+ via Getty Images</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>It’s common to hear casual descriptions of “schizophrenic” behavior, describing a person oscillating between two extremes.</p> <p>“I really want that luxurious Italian cashmere sweater,” followed by “What am I saying? I can’t even afford a $20 polyester top right now!”</p> <p>I’m a <a href="https://www.wesleyan.edu/about/directory/profile.html?id=mkurtz">professor of psychology</a>