One of the most devastating and feared mental illnesses within society, affecting 1% of the...

This question aligns with Domain I: Interpersonal Competencies, which includes understanding the impact of psychiatric conditions on individuals and society. The CPRP Exam Blueprint requires knowledge of “prevalence and societal perceptions of major mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, which affects approximately 1% of the population and is often stigmatized as severe and debilitating.” Schizophrenia is frequently cited in psychiatric rehabilitation literature as one of the most feared and misunderstood mental illnesses due to its complex symptoms and societal stigma.

Option D: Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the global population and is widely regarded as one of the most devastating mental illnesses due to its chronic nature, positive symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions), negative symptoms (e.g., avolition), and significant functional impact. Its societal fear stems from stigma and misconceptions, making it the best fit for the question.

Option A: Borderline personality disorder is severe but has a prevalence of about 1.6–5.9% and is less universally feared compared to schizophrenia.

Option B: Major depression is highly prevalent (about 7% lifetime prevalence) and debilitating but does not match the 1% criterion or the same level of societal fear.

Option C: Bipolar disorder has a prevalence of about 1–2% and, while severe, is less stigmatized as “feared” compared to schizophrenia.

Extract from CPRP Exam Blueprint (Domain I: Interpersonal Competencies):

“Tasks include: 3. Understanding the prevalence, symptoms, and societal perceptions of major mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, to inform person-centered practice.”