The number of people suffering from schizophrenia - a mental disorder that makes the person incapable of differentiating between real and unreal experiences and thinking logically - is on the rise in several districts of the state, including Pune.
On Monday, the eve of the World Schizophrenia Day, the superintendent of the Yerawada-based regional mental hospital, Dr Vilas Bhailume, told DNA that there has been an increase of about 1% of the schizophrenia cases over the last two years.
“On an average, in a month the outpatient department of the hospital is now treating 2,000 to 2,500 cases of mental illness. Of these, 80% are chronic cases of schizophrenia. At present, of the 1,700 patients admitted to the hospital, the majority are suffering from this mental illness,” he said. The hospital caters to mental patients in 12 districts of the state.
According to Dr Bhailume, patients from rural parts of the state lack awareness of the illness. Relatives may harass the patient, apprehending that evil spirits have cast a spell. The patient is forcefully taken to a ‘baba’ or ‘sadhu maharaj’ who promises to free him or her of the evil spirit. This aggravates the disease and increases the severity to such an extent that the patient fails to recover.
“The rural population needs to be educated about this illness and for the same we at the hospital have called all parents and relatives of schizophrenic patients admitted with us to share information about the illness,” said Dr Bhailume.
“To increase awareness levels, the hospital has organised patients and parents meetings where all the kin of the patients will be come to know more about the illness, which many think has something to do with evil or black magic,” he said.
Maharashtra Institute for Mental Health’s deputy director and consultant psychiatrist, Dr Krishna Kadam, said, “The growing number of schizophrenia cases is worrisome as there is no cure for this illness. It is basically a very severe and complex mental illness in which the patient’s ability to think, feel or behave is hampered.”
“Schizophrenia affects more than 10 million Indians and adversely affects their productivity, causing stress to their families. According to the World Health Organisation, schizophrenia is among the 10 most disabling conditions in the world,” said Kadam.
He added, “Genetic factors play a major role, whereas stress, family and social pressures, can also lead to schizophrenia in a vulnerable individual. Though there is no particular test that can detect schizophrenia, early and regular treatment can help the patient get back to normal life.”
Family support, meaningful activity or vocation and encouragement of the patient are very important. Not many know that long-term schizophrenia can lead to problems in carrying out routine activities like bathing, dressing, feeding or using public transport. Such patients often lose confidence due to the illness and the stigma attached to it. Rehabilitation of such patients is very important as it helps them in going back to the community, he said.
Dr Kadam suggested that affected families educate themselves about the disorder by joining or forming a support network or group. They can engage in advocacy, disability benefits or insurance coverage. Patients who have recovered can join the fight, break down barriers of ignorance, prejudice and discrimination.
Comments