Increasing number of schizophrenia patients seek treatment at IMHANS

Srinagar, June 11: The Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) Kashmir is experiencing a significant increase in schizophrenia patients, with an average of 20 individuals visiting the outpatient department (OPD) daily.

According to official data, the majority of these cases are follow-ups, while at least one new diagnosis is reported each day, indicating a persistent rise in new cases of this chronic mental disorder.

Besides that, as family structure in Kashmir is breaking and nuclear family structure is becoming the new norm, an increased number of people with severe mental illnesses (schizophrenia) are being abandoned and are forced to live on streets.

Schizophrenia, a severe brain disorder that affects a person's thinking, feelings, and behaviour, is increasingly recognised as a critical mental health issue.

Recent studies suggest that up to 90 percent of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia can lead productive lives at home if the disorder is detected early and treated appropriately. Mental disorders, including schizophrenia, are among the top causes of disease burden worldwide, particularly in the 15-44 age group.

Dr Arshad Hussain, Professor at IMHANS, told Greater Kashmir that 90 percent schizophrenia patients will be able to live in their homes productively if detected early and treated.

“Some will require institutional care so we need institutions of care - hospitals, half way homes etc that will prevent homelessness. All institutional care with least restrictive options applied,” he said.

He said with the right treatment and support, most individuals with schizophrenia can live independently and contribute to their communities.

Dr Arshad said that some individuals require more intensive support, making institutional care essential.

“Facilities such as hospitals, halfway houses, and other supportive environments play a vital role in providing care for those who cannot manage their symptoms at home,” he said.

Dr Arshad said that efforts to improve mental health care in Kashmir have led to significant changes.

“The establishment of family wards, the banning of physical restraints, and the introduction of modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are steps toward better care with dignity. A groundbreaking initiative has been the setting up of the Community Mental Health facility at SMHS hospital, integrating mental health with general health services, thus reducing stigma and making mental health services more accessible to the public,” he said.

He said that the continuous concerted efforts are needed by all stakeholders to improve mental healthcare keeping in view the ever increasing mental health burden of diseases.

“More inpatient facilities need to be established and all mental health units of district medical colleges need to be supported in manpower and infrastructure. We try our level best to treat mentally ill people with dignity at IMHANS Kashmir but there is large scope for improvement. We are constantly on a path to improve. We will rest only when we come upto expectations of the common man. The integration of mental health services with general health care has made these services more acceptable to the common man,” he added.