Schizophrenia, one of the major mental illnesses of the world, can be cured if diagnosed early, said Dr T S Satyanarayan Rao, psychiatrist, JSS Hospital, here on Monday.

He was speaking during the programme organised on account of World Mental Health Day, by JSS Nursing College at JSS Hospital premises.

He said that the disease was one of the most serious mental ailments, caused due to various factors. “Early environment in which a person grows, genetics, psychological and social factors are major factors resulting in the disease. People between the ages of 15 and 25 are more prone to the disease than other age groups,” he said.

The disease is characterised by emotional changes, disorganised speech, loss of memory and hallucinations. Patients with these characteristics should be referred to psychiatrists, so that patients can be diagnosed of the condition, depending on the severity of the disorder, he added.

Lamenting that the general public lacked awareness on mental health conditions, he said that it was crucial for the public to identify these symptoms, so that patients can be treated of the condition.

As part of the World Mental Health Day celebrations under the slogan ‘Living with Schizophrenia’, an exhibition of posters, regarding various mental health disorders, causes of Schizophrenia and other conditions was held at the Hospital premises.
Similarly, students of JSS Nursing College, staged street plays in front of Kote Anjaneya Temple, to raise awareness on mental health conditions.

An interaction programme on mental diseases and other ailments, will also be held on October 11, at Rajendra Auditorium, as part of the celebrations. 

Hassan
Principal and Sessions Judge, R J Satish Singh advised that it was essential to regularly consult doctors regarding various aspects of mental health, here on Friday.

Speaking at a programme in Hassan, he said that brain too was susceptible to ailments like other parts of the human body. “In the past, people sought refuge in witch-doctors. Today, the situation has changed. However, more awareness on mental health disorders are essential,” he said.

World Mental Health Day was observed in Mandya and Chamarajanagar districts through awareness programmes.