Mental disorders such as schizophrenia need more
awareness and acknowledgment in the country
New Delhi, 13
September 2017: According to a recent conducted countrywide
survey, about 13.7% of India's general population suffers from a variety of
mental illnesses. And, about 10.6% of them need immediate medical intervention.
Although India was one of the first countries to put in place a national mental
health programme, the progress on this front has been abysmal. Mental illness
is still not accorded the importance it should be in our country, feel IMA
officials.
One such
mental disorder is Schizophrenia, which is a chronic and severe mental disorder
affecting the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with
schizophrenia feel out of touch with reality. Though it is not as common as
other mental disorders, the symptoms can be very disabling.
Speaking
about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian
Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI)
and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said,
"Schizophrenia can occur between 16 and 30 years of age. In males, the
symptoms can start to show at a relatively younger age than females. Many
people are not aware that they have this disorder as it develops very slowly
over a period of time. Such people tend to isolate themselves and become
withdrawn. They get unusual thoughts and suspicions, and often have a family
history of psychosis. In young people who develop schizophrenia, this stage of
the disorder is called the ‘prodromal’ period. Hallucinations and delusions are
also commonplace. Difficulty in diagnosis is compounded by the fact that many
people do not believe they have it. Lack of awareness is a major issue.”
At times,
those with schizophrenia may have additional illnesses such as substance abuse,
posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and major
depression. There is also research suggesting that this disorder may be due to
faulty neuronal development in the brain of the fetus, which later emerges as a
full-blown illness.
Adding
further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Treatment for schizophrenia patients is
usually a combination of medication, psychological counseling, and self-help
resources. With proper treatment, it is possible for most of the people to lead
normal and productive lives. It can also help relieve many of the symptoms.
However, it is imperative for those with the disorder to continue taking medication
to prevent symptoms from coming back.”
Tips to help
the affected cope with the disorder:
- Get
them treatment and encourage them to continue the same.
- Remember
that their beliefs or hallucinations seem very real to them
- Tell
them that you acknowledge that everyone has the right to see things their
own way
- Be
respectful, supportive, and kind without tolerating dangerous or
inappropriate behavior
- Check
to see if there are any support groups in your area
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