Sir, - Kevin Myers (An Irishman's Diary, February 17th) takes issue with Schizophrenia Ireland highlighting misuse of the word "schizophrenia". Might I suggest that he has obviously put the same effort into researching the reasons for this as he did researching into the correct name of the "Schizophrenic Society" (sic).
We, along with similar organisations world-wide (despite another erroneous assertion), regularly take issue with journalists and others misusing the word, not when there is "casual and literally incorrect figurative usage", but when it is used in a derogatory manner - split personality, being in two minds about something, being contradictory in words and action, and so on. These depictions are not used for giving praise or commendation. I would challenge Mr Myers to give examples of where the word is misused in a positive way.
If people with schizophrenia were accorded the same rights as others in our society, we would not need to be so sensitised to misuse of the word. When people with schizophrenia no longer have to suffer discrimination, scorn, stigmatisation and ignorance, Schizophrenia Ireland will stop taking issue with incorrect use of the word.
A case in point is the recent row about Tallaght Hospital. Who highlighted the fact that patients in St Loman's have been deprived of improved facilities at Tallaght, because the psychiatric unit hasn't been opened? Where is the outrage about patients remaining in unacceptable conditions in St Loman's while a modern unit stays in darkness? Perhaps Mr Myers would wish to prove he does not take schizophrenia lightly by highlighting this scandal. - Yours, etc.
Orla O'Neill, Director, Schizophrenia Ireland, Blessington Street, Dublin 7.