The Mental Health Authority (MHA) has been actively working to create policies, raise public awareness, and enhance accessibility to care for schizophrenia and other mental health issues.
Schizophrenia, a severe mental health disorder, is witnessing a concerning surge in Ghana, with a record 8,446 individuals seeking help for the condition as of the end of March this year [2023].
The figures, obtained from the District Health Information Management Systems of the Ghana Health Service, reveal a steady increase from 19,856 cases in 2020 to 20,755 in 2021 and a worrisome spike to 24,790 in 2022.
Schizophrenia is characterized by persistent psychotic symptoms, including auditory and visual hallucinations, delusional thinking, disorganized thoughts and behavior, and a detachment from reality. While it typically manifests in individuals during their early 20s, there have been rare cases of symptoms appearing in early childhood. Globally, approximately 24 million people are affected by this mental disorder.
During a news conference held to mark World Schizophrenia Day, Estelle Appiah, the Board Chairman of the Mental Health Authority, highlighted the alarming statistics and expressed concern about the potential health and security risks posed by the rising cases.
She emphasized that various factors, such as biological and environmental influences, as well as life stresses, contribute to the manifestation of symptoms in individuals.
Despite the absence of a cure for schizophrenia, comprehensive management strategies involving medication, psychotherapy, occupational therapy, and other interventions have been shown to improve outcomes for individuals with the condition.
The Mental Health Authority (MHA) has been actively working to create policies, raise public awareness, and enhance accessibility to care for schizophrenia and other mental health issues.
The theme for this year's World Schizophrenia Day is "Celebrating the Power of Community Kindness," underscoring the importance of compassion, understanding, and support within the community for individuals living with schizophrenia.
The MHA is calling for collaborative efforts from the public, development partners, caregivers, community organizations, and relevant stakeholders to remove barriers and provide broader support to those affected by the condition. This includes increased funding for mental health research and the creation of inclusive communities that empower individuals living with schizophrenia.
The MHA also reiterated the ban on chaining and shackling of persons with mental illness, emphasizing the need to protect the rights of individuals living with mental health conditions.
Challenges such as inadequate funding, brain drain of mental health professionals, persistent stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations remain obstacles in effectively managing schizophrenia.
The CEO of the MHA, Professor Pinaman Appau, urged collective action to celebrate the power of community kindness, aiming to create a caring society that offers equitable access to mental health care, employment opportunities, and social support networks.
As the prevalence of schizophrenia continues to rise in Ghana, urgent attention and comprehensive measures are required to address this mental health crisis, combat stigma, and provide the necessary support and resources for individuals living with the condition.
Source : Tellusghana || Naa Lamley
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