National Alliance on Mental Illness launches Schizophrenia & Psychosis Lexicon Guide

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, is pleased to announce the launch of the Schizophrenia and Psychosis Lexicon Guide, which NAMI says is a milestone in mental health communication.

This guide will help transform how people talk about, understand, and treat schizophrenia and psychosis, representing a significant step in NAMI’s mission to foster understanding, empathy, and respect in mental health communication. The new guide is a collaborative effort involving mental health experts, individuals with lived experience, and comprehensive research. This inclusive process ensured that the guide is a well-rounded resource.

Click here to read the guide.

“The Schizophrenia and Psychosis Lexicon Guide underscores the crucial role that thoughtful, informed language plays in supporting people with schizophrenia and psychosis,” said Dr. Teri Brister, Chief Program Officer at NAMI. “It is a testament to NAMI’s ongoing commitment to improve mental health outcomes and reduce the stigma and discrimination surrounding these conditions.”

The guide is available on NAMI’s website and provides healthcare professionals, caregivers, advocates, and the media with an approach to conversations that respects the experiences of individuals living with these conditions and promotes positive engagement.

“The Lexicon guide is a masterful way to communicate the preferences of people with lived experience to talk about schizophrenia and how not to talk about it,” said Dr. Ken Duckworth, Chief Medical Officer at NAMI. “This is the best of NAMI – bringing expertise from real people who know best how to drive learning and shows how NAMI is leading the way in promoting accurate, respectful, and empathetic communication.”

About the National Alliance on Mental Illness
(NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Through advocacy, education, support, and public awareness, NAMI strives to ensure all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. Learn more at nami.org.