Schizophrenia, a
mental health disorder, is on the rise in Ghana, with 8,446 people presenting
with the condition as of the end of March this year [2023].
From 19,856
persons who presented for help with the condition in 2020, the cases increased
to 20,755 in 2021 and 24,790 in 2022.
Schizophrenia is
a mental disorder characterised by persistent psychotic symptoms such as
auditory and/or visual hallucinations, delusional thinking, dissociation from
reality, and disorganised thoughts and behavior.
It usually begins
to manifest when the patients are in their early 20s, although, in rare cases,
symptoms can show in early childhood.
This disorder affects about 24 million people worldwide.
The Board
Chairman of the Mental Health Authority, Estelle Appiah, who disclosed this at
a news conference to mark World Schizophrenia Day on Wednesday, said the
figures were records from the District Health Information Management Systems of
the Ghana Health Service.
World
Schizophrenia Awareness Day is commemorated every May 24.
It is a day
dedicated to raising awareness of the mental illness that affects over 20
million people worldwide.
It is highly
stigmatized since it is not talked about and lacks accurate representation in
the media.
World
Schizophrenia Awareness Day was instituted to fight against stigma and to make
it easier for people to seek different resources to get help.
It lifts the lid
on the challenges that thousands of people with schizophrenia — from all over
the world — have to contend with every day of their lives.
The theme for
the celebration is: “Celebrating the power of community kindness”.
“The numbers we
see speak for themselves and potentially present a health and security risk for
all of us,” she noted.
Influencing factors
Quoting current
research, Ms. Appiah said a variety of factors influenced a person’s
manifestation of symptoms of schizophrenia, pointing out that biological and
environmental factors were notable, with life’s stresses playing a substantial
role in the emergence of symptoms.
“Despite the
fact that there is no cure for schizophrenia, people with the condition have
better outcomes when they receive comprehensive management strategies that
include medication, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy, among others,” she
said.
On efforts being
undertaken by the MHA to manage the condition, she said it included the
creation of policies through to their execution, adding that the authority had
been working to raise public awareness of schizophrenia and other mental health
issues while also striving for further improvements in access to care.
Touching on the
rights of persons living with mental illness, she reiterated that the ban on
chaining and shackling of persons with mental illness, which had been in place
since 2019, was still in force.
She urged the
public, development partners, caregivers, community organizations, and other
relevant parties to collaborate in order to remove obstacles and broaden
support for those living with the condition.
That, she said,
included increasing funding for mental health research and creating more
inclusive communities that would support and empower individuals living with
the condition.
“We encourage
everyone to take a moment to learn more about schizophrenia. Join us in
breaking down barriers and creating a world where everyone has access to the
care and support they need to live healthy and productive lives,” she said.
The Technical
Director of the MHA, Dr. Nana Yaa Adobea Brown, said the theme for the
celebration emphasized the importance of compassion, understanding, and support
within the community for individuals living with schizophrenia.
“Schizophrenia
demands our attention, empathy, and understanding.
The MHA believes
that by working together, we can dismantle stigmas surrounding mental health
conditions and create an environment where individuals living with
schizophrenia can thrive.
Our collective
efforts are crucial in promoting awareness, improving access to mental health
services, and ensuring that those affected receive the care and support they
deserve,” she said.
The Chief
Executive Officer of the MHA, Professor Pinaman Appau, stressed the need for
all to remain vigilant in addressing the existing challenges that impeded
progress in schizophrenia management, which included inadequate funding, brain
drain of mental health professionals, persistent stigma, discrimination and the
violation of human rights, including chaining and shackling.
“I urge you to
join hands with us in celebrating the power of community kindness.
Through
community initiatives, educational campaigns, and collaborative partnerships,
we can build a caring society that provides equitable access to mental health
care, employment opportunities, and social support networks,” she said.
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