Mental health issues have always been stigmatizing and frustrating for families in the Indian context. Most families would rather not talk about a relative’s problem because there is not much help available from the health system; ultimately it is all a question of family support; institutional care is reserved for only the minority group of patients who cannot be managed at home. This has created the corresponding effect of psychiatry remaining a relatively less known branch in the country. Of course, with the pressures of “modern” life (euphemism for inability to throw scruples away or earn enough to consume relentlessly) many people are having to seek medical help for stress-related disorders.
Schizophrenia is a more serious situation for those who are affected, for their kin and friends. Many would hope to experience a miracle as in the film A Beautiful Mind on the affected Nobel Laureate John Nash played by Russel Crowe.
The journal PLoS Medicine has published a paper recently on the possible approaches to treating Schizophrenia in the developing world. If we could have support groups emerging for those with this condition, it would help a lot of youngsters, many with good academic attainments, and older patients, face life with greater confidence.
Anant
