Schizophrenia Affects 24m Worldwide: WHO

News Desk

Islamabad/Lahore: Schizophrenia affects approximately 24 million people or one in every 300 people (0.32 per cent) worldwide and this rate is 1 in 222 people (0.45 per cent) among adults, according to the World Health Organisation.

Schizophrenia is a mental illness due to which the patient becomes imbalanced and his thinking skills are affected, causing him to be unable to live his daily life normally. However, it is a curable problem if diagnosed at an early stage and proper treatment is provided, said Ameer-ud-Din Medical College Principal Dr Al Fareed Zafar.

The schizophrenia patient is considered to be under the influence of supernatural forces by the general public because of his strange movements, which is a wholly false and unfounded assumption:Dr Al Fareed Zafar

These views were expressed at an event held in connection with World Schizophrenia Awareness Week in Lahore General Hospital on Wednesday.

Dr Al Fareed said that the schizophrenia patient is considered to be under the influence of supernatural forces by the general public because of his strange movements, which is a wholly false and unfounded assumption.

Associate Professor DrJaved Akbar stated that schizophrenia is associated with physical illnesses such as cardiovascular, metabolic, and infectious diseases, adding that the World Schizophrenia Day is to acknowledge how much work remains to lift the stigma surrounding this condition and to create a more just and equitable world for people diagnosed with serious mental illness.

Dr Akbar also described that the main two most commonly misunderstood conditions are bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It is essential to recognise their distinct symptoms and characteristics at an early stage.

The World Schizophrenia Day is to acknowledge how much work remains to lift the stigma surrounding this condition and to create a more just and equitable world for people diagnosed with serious mental illness.

He explained that schizophrenia is linked to considerable disability and could affect educational and occupational performance. It is a chronic and severe mental disorder affecting a person’s thinking, perception, emotions, and behaviour, the Associate Professor added.

DrJaved mentioned that people with schizophrenia are 2-3 times more likely to die at an early age in comparison to the average population.

The incidence of depression in women compared to men is two to one, adding that about 10 to 15 percent of women suffer from depression, while it is 5 to 10 percent in men worldwide.

Dr Fareed Zafar stated that, similar to other illnesses, schizophrenia sufferers should have regular treatment rather than pursue any spiritual or quackery practises. It is also essential to use medications and maintain a proper diet in accordance with the recommendations of the doctors.

Every effort should be made to console the patient so that the disease’s symptoms do not worsen, he said, adding that a person suffering from this illness deserves more compassion and love than any kind of distance or hatred.

Similar to other illnesses, schizophrenia sufferers should have regular treatment rather than pursue any spiritual or quackery practises:Dr Al Fareed Zafar

Dr Al Fareed further added that the likelihood of this illness is higher in the elderly, but it can also be passed down from parents to children. As a result, the patient experiences depression and mental confusion. In addition, the sickness is aggravated by unusual thinking, and patients may start shouting and fighting with their family members.

Dr Faiza Athar told that the chances of suicide in schizophrenia patients are comparatively higher than in normal people, which is dangerous. She said that if the schizophrenia patient is cared for better at home, the recovery and normalcy will also be faster, and it will make his life easier.

Javed Akbar further mentioned that contrary to popular belief, people with schizophrenia do not have a ‘split personality’. Only a small number of people with schizophrenia become violent but they do have a higher rate of suicide than the general population.

People with schizophrenia do not have a ‘split personality’. Only a small number of people with schizophrenia become violent but they do have a higher rate of suicide than the general population:Javed Akbar

We want to raise awareness, and we want people to know that mental illness is a serious issue, Principal Dr Akbar said, adding that we want people to realise that there is no shame in talking about these kinds of illnesses and to be open about it.

Meanwhile, a noted mental health expert urged society to play a proactive role in raising public awareness about the early detection of schizophrenia disease in patients and educating people about the obstacles faced by patients since millions of people are affected by it.