SCHIZOPHRENIA

It is a severe form of mental illness affecting about 7 per one thousand of the adult population, mostly in the age group 15-35 years. Though the incidence is low (3-10,000), the prevalence is high due to the chronic nature of the illness.

Facts

• Schizophrenia affects about 24 million people worldwide.
• Schizophrenia is a treatable disorder, treatment being more effective in its initial stages.
• More than 50% of persons with schizophrenia are not receiving appropriate care.
• 90% of people with untreated schizophrenia are in developing countries.
• Care of persons with schizophrenia can be provided at community level, with active family and community involvement.

PSYCHOSIS

 

 

What Is Psychosis?

Psychosis is a serious mental disorder characterized by thinking and emotions that are so impaired, that they indicate that the person experiencing them has lost contact with reality. People who are psychotic have false thoughts (delusions) and/or see or hear things that are not there (hallucinations).  It affects three out of every 100 people and is most likely to be diagnosed in young adults, but psychosis can occur to anyone.

Causes

• Alcohol and certain illegal drugs, both during use and during withdrawal
• Brain diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and certain chromosomal disorders
• Brain tumors or cysts
• Dementia (including Alzheimer's disease)
• HIV and other infections that affect the brain
• Some prescription drugs, such as steroids and stimulants
• Some types of epilepsy
• Stroke

 

Psychosis (or psychotic symptoms) may also be found in:

is DEPRESSION IN KENYA real or a myth?

 Depression is a common mental disorder, characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, feelings of tiredness, and poor concentration. (WHO)

Today, Kenya will join more than 100 other countries of the world to celebrate the World Mental Health Day – a globally observed day meant to raise public awareness about mental health.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is Depression: A global crisis. According to WHO statistics for 2002, there are 154 million people globally who suffer from depression, itself a form of mental illness. By 2030, depression alone is likely to be the second highest cause of disease, second only to HIV/AIDS.
Mental disorders affect men and women almost equally. However, almost all studies show a higher prevalence of depression among women than men, with a ratio of between 1.5:1 and 2:1. (Baseline study on the situation and governance of mental health and development services in Kenya).
A research by the Africa Mental Health Foundation: Suicidality and Depression among adult patients admitted in general medical facilities in Kenya led by Professor of Psychiatry David M Ndetei found that on average 1 out of 10 patients had suicidal symptoms more so in younger (14.5%) than the older people (8.0%) and in the more depressed.
The sample total was 2780 patients in 10 general medical facilities in Kenya who were interviewed for suicidal symptoms and depression.
These symptoms had not been clinically recognized and therefore not managed and that is why the study called for clinical practice that routinely enquires for suicidal symptoms in general medical wards. Little attention has been paid to suicide reports as suicide is still considered a taboo subject in our society.
However, from the study, it is evident that appropriate practices and policies are needed to increase awareness of, and screen for depression and suicide symptoms routinely in clinical practice and to look for innovative interventions considering the limited resources available in the public health care system.
To start with, there is an urgent need to get adequate data of the actual prevalence of mental and neurological disorders. Without this data, it is not possible to convince policy makers to make arrangements for provision of services.
Some context specific studies suggest that between 25-30% of all people who attend out-patient facilities have a psychological condition co-existing with a physical condition. A review of the current Mental Health Act is being done on the basis of such statistics.
Research also shows that apart from untreated psychiatric illness, the stigma associated with mental illness can adversely affect help-seeking behaviour and mental health in general. That the stigma attached to the label of ‘mental illness’ can have a lasting impact on the person labelled.
As Kenya joins the world in marking the world mental health day; there is need to give credit to organizations such as the Africa Mental Health Foundation who have been a leader in carrying out research in the Kenyan setting that has and continues to greatly inform policy.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-89035/depression-crisis-kenya#sthash.0eYwXRxX.dpuf

Today, Kenya will join more than 100 other countries of the world to celebrate the World Mental Health Day – a globally observed day meant to raise public awareness about mental health.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is Depression: A global crisis. According to WHO statistics for 2002, there are 154 million people globally who suffer from depression, itself a form of mental illness. By 2030, depression alone is likely to be the second highest cause of disease, second only to HIV/AIDS.
Mental disorders affect men and women almost equally. However, almost all studies show a higher prevalence of depression among women than men, with a ratio of between 1.5:1 and 2:1. (Baseline study on the situation and governance of mental health and development services in Kenya).
A research by the Africa Mental Health Foundation: Suicidality and Depression among adult patients admitted in general medical facilities in Kenya led by Professor of Psychiatry David M Ndetei found that on average 1 out of 10 patients had suicidal symptoms more so in younger (14.5%) than the older people (8.0%) and in the more depressed.
The sample total was 2780 patients in 10 general medical facilities in Kenya who were interviewed for suicidal symptoms and depression.
These symptoms had not been clinically recognized and therefore not managed and that is why the study called for clinical practice that routinely enquires for suicidal symptoms in general medical wards. Little attention has been paid to suicide reports as suicide is still considered a taboo subject in our society.
However, from the study, it is evident that appropriate practices and policies are needed to increase awareness of, and screen for depression and suicide symptoms routinely in clinical practice and to look for innovative interventions considering the limited resources available in the public health care system.
To start with, there is an urgent need to get adequate data of the actual prevalence of mental and neurological disorders. Without this data, it is not possible to convince policy makers to make arrangements for provision of services.
Some context specific studies suggest that between 25-30% of all people who attend out-patient facilities have a psychological condition co-existing with a physical condition. A review of the current Mental Health Act is being done on the basis of such statistics.
Research also shows that apart from untreated psychiatric illness, the stigma associated with mental illness can adversely affect help-seeking behaviour and mental health in general. That the stigma attached to the label of ‘mental illness’ can have a lasting impact on the person labelled.
As Kenya joins the world in marking the world mental health day; there is need to give credit to organizations such as the Africa Mental Health Foundation who have been a leader in carrying out research in the Kenyan setting that has and continues to greatly inform policy.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-89035/depression-crisis-kenya#sthash.0eYwXRxX.dpuf

Today, Kenya will join more than 100 other countries of the world to celebrate the World Mental Health Day – a globally observed day meant to raise public awareness about mental health.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is Depression: A global crisis. According to WHO statistics for 2002, there are 154 million people globally who suffer from depression, itself a form of mental illness. By 2030, depression alone is likely to be the second highest cause of disease, second only to HIV/AIDS.
Mental disorders affect men and women almost equally. However, almost all studies show a higher prevalence of depression among women than men, with a ratio of between 1.5:1 and 2:1. (Baseline study on the situation and governance of mental health and development services in Kenya).
A research by the Africa Mental Health Foundation: Suicidality and Depression among adult patients admitted in general medical facilities in Kenya led by Professor of Psychiatry David M Ndetei found that on average 1 out of 10 patients had suicidal symptoms more so in younger (14.5%) than the older people (8.0%) and in the more depressed.
The sample total was 2780 patients in 10 general medical facilities in Kenya who were interviewed for suicidal symptoms and depression.
These symptoms had not been clinically recognized and therefore not managed and that is why the study called for clinical practice that routinely enquires for suicidal symptoms in general medical wards. Little attention has been paid to suicide reports as suicide is still considered a taboo subject in our society.
However, from the study, it is evident that appropriate practices and policies are needed to increase awareness of, and screen for depression and suicide symptoms routinely in clinical practice and to look for innovative interventions considering the limited resources available in the public health care system.
To start with, there is an urgent need to get adequate data of the actual prevalence of mental and neurological disorders. Without this data, it is not possible to convince policy makers to make arrangements for provision of services.
Some context specific studies suggest that between 25-30% of all people who attend out-patient facilities have a psychological condition co-existing with a physical condition. A review of the current Mental Health Act is being done on the basis of such statistics.
Research also shows that apart from untreated psychiatric illness, the stigma associated with mental illness can adversely affect help-seeking behaviour and mental health in general. That the stigma attached to the label of ‘mental illness’ can have a lasting impact on the person labelled.
As Kenya joins the world in marking the world mental health day; there is need to give credit to organizations such as the Africa Mental Health Foundation who have been a leader in carrying out research in the Kenyan setting that has and continues to greatly inform policy.
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-89035/depression-crisis-kenya#sthash.0eYwXRxX.dpuf

 According to an article by Liz. Ombati ,(2012, October 10). The Star.