Media Release

Mangalore, Apr 30: The department of psychiatry, KMC Hospital here will conduct a free schizophrenia education camp at its premises in Attavar on Saturday May 3 from 9 am to 5 pm, stated a press release.

Patients and family members will be educated about schizophrenia and treatment options will be discussed at the camp. Limited free medications will be dispensed to poor patients.

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder affecting 1% of the total population. It usually begins in late adolescence, before 25 years of age, often running a chronic relapsing and remitting course. It affects people of all social classes and educational background. There is some evidence to suggest it has a genetic basis and runs in certain families.

Various etiological factors such as birth infection, medical causes, personality factors, drug abuse have been postulated as possible causes. Some of the  symptoms of the disease are: delusions, hallucinations, socially withdrawn, demotivated, violence, anger outbursts, suicide and homicide tendencies, drug abuse. This compounds social-isolation, criticism and stigma against the hapless patient.

It is not uncommon to see schizophrenic patients being abandoned by their own families. These patients often develop cognitive deficits like memory dysfunction etc. This interferes with their work-related abilities. Social reintegration and vocational rehabilitation are other major challenges in treating schizophrenia. Psychologists and social workers help patient and family members overcome and sometimes live with ‘deficit-symptoms’. Religious help also helps patient to feel normal again. Education is probably the most important aspect while starting treatment in schizophrenia. Many worries start from ignorance. Patient and family need to be told it is an illness and not a curse.

The education camp is an endeavour to educate the families of these patients that the disease is treatable and in some cases curable, the release stated.