Good news for Indian schizophrenics

May 4: In India, there are nine million schizophrenics, less than 4,000 psychiatrists, 800 clinical psychologists, 650 psychiatric social workers and 600 psychiatric nurses. Bad news? Well, there’s good news too. That the prognosis (chances of recovery) for schizophrenics in India is much higher than the West because of stable family support. These are the findings of `Schizophrenia- the devastating disease (Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow)’, an interactive workshop conducted at Hotel Natraj by Dr Amresh Shrivastava. A consultant neuropsychiatrist, Dr Shrivastava is the project director of `Prerana’ suicide prevention services, a telephonic helpline for distressed individuals in Mumbai. He has plans to convert his 25-bed `Silver Mind Hospital’ into a schizophrenia centre. This, he feels, may help fulfill the need for psychiatric services in the private sector. While the total bed strength for psychiatric patients in India is 18,500 in the government sector it is just 2000-2500 in the private sector.

Interestingly, the incidence of schizophrenia among males is almost double of that in females. Evenly distributed over the globe, schizophrenia is most common among young adults and teenagers. However, it is also manifest in individuals between 30-40 years. Continued withdrawal or over-reaction and anxiety are the earliest symptoms to beware of according to the experts at the workshop.

“It is important to remember that 25-50 per cent schizophrenics attempt suicide at some point during their illness,” remarks Dr Shrivastava who also has some advice for the families of schizophrenics: Follow the treatment. Take an interest. Assign small responsibilities. Encourage and support the patient. Supervise and appreciate his efforts. Do not ignore or criticise him. Do not exert social pressure or over indulge. Remember he is still intelligent. Watch for relapse and maintain a check. However, the most important thing is to accept him as he is and never stop drugs without medical advice.

Shrivastava illustrates with a case history to emphasise the extra care needed in handling a schizophrenic: “A lady doctor came up to us in distress. Her 20-year-old son had locked himself in his house. He was waiting for August 20 as that was the day his father had killed himself. With the help of the police, we got into the house and saved him. After treatment, he recovered fully.”