Early identification can cure schizophrenia: Doc

Early identification can cure schizophrenia: Doc

Pune: Early identification of schizophrenia patients is very important to ensure better treatment and recovery from the condition, said Dr Isaac Mohan, Professor and Head of Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Australia.

Dr Mohan was speaking during the Aditya Pendse Memorial Lecture organised by the city-based NGO Schizophrenia Awareness Association on the occasion of World Schizophrenia Awareness Day, which is observed on May 24. 

Schizophrenia Awareness Association President Amrit Bakhshy and social activist Jyoti Kapoor were present. Dr Mohan said schizophrenia is a complex and disabling condition.

“The term schizophrenia was coined 100 years ago. Some people get well while many others have to be on medication for a very long time. Hence, schizophrenia is not one disease but it comprises many diseases. What we know is that interaction between the gene and environment may manifest into schizophrenia,” said Dr 
Mohan.

He said even now, more and more research is coming up related to schizophrenia. “Today, we know that schizophrenia-related manifestations occur due to some brain problem. There are theories that numerous social factors also contribute to the manifestation of the disease,” said Dr Mohan.

While talking about the treatment available for these patients, Dr Mohan said that medications have a significant importance in treating patients.
“What is more important is family psychoeducation, which can help in the recovery of schizophrenia patients. Also, care is very important for these patients. Earlier the diagnosis, better is the prognosis,” said Dr Mohan. He said many times, the symptoms start showing at the age of 16-18 years.

“But parents or even doctors do not understand and identify the early symptoms of schizophrenia. This identification at this early age of 16-18 is important. Recovery is possible in schizophrenia patients. In psychiatric disorders, recovery is when there is symptom reduction and the patients are functional to do some jobs and maintain relations, which is possible in schizophrenia patients as well,” he added.

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