Schizophrenia a misunderstood mental illness

Mental health problems in childhood and adolescence pose a major threat to public health educational psychologist, Ellenor Bosch said.

Epidemiological studies in high, middle and low income countries indicate that approximately one in five children and adolescents suffer from a mental disorder. In many instances these persist into adulthood.

“Young children fear imaginary monsters under the bed, as we grow older the ’monsters’ take on different shapes.

“We may fear for our health, job security, safety, and the devastating loss of a loved one, being able to retire comfortably, and much more,” Bosch said.

As a result of this continual fear and stress, one in four South Africans will experience a mental illness in their lifetime.

For many, this will add to the existing anxiety, frustration and fear – as they then have to face additional challenges such as unemployment, limited access to professional services, support and medication and violation of their human rights.

Schizophrenia may be one of the most misunderstood mental illnesses of our time, Bosch said.

“Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that causes strange thinking, strange feelings and unusual behaviour,” she said.

Schizophrenia is rare in children, although it affects only 1 in 40 000, compared to 1 in 100 adults, it is an illness that has its onset in the early youth.

The average age of onset is 18 years in men and 25 years in women.

Symptoms may include:

• Having beliefs not based on reality (delusions)
• Seeing or hearing things that don’t exist (hallucinations), especially voices
• Disorganised or illogical thinking
• Speech that doesn’t make sense

Compared with adults, teens may be less likely to have delusions and be more likely to have visual hallucinations.

“People with the condition find it difficult to tell the difference between real and imagined experiences, to think logically, to express feelings or to behave appropriately.

“The illness causes an incalculable amount of individual pain and suffering but, with the correct treatment, care and psychosocial support, a person with Schizophrenia can live a functional and successful life.

“Sadly, less than half of those living with Schizophrenia receive the appropriate care and about 90% of those who do not receive treatment live in developing countries such as South Africa,” Bosch said.

If you suspect or feel that you may be suffering from a mental illness there is help and support available.

You can contact the office of Mental Health at 011 781 1852   or The Society of Central Gauteng Mental Health – Head Office P O Box 10443 Johannesburg 2000 Tel: (011) 614 9890 Fax: (011) 614 5503 or 086 585 7633.