Mental Health: schizophrenia a reality in Cameroon

Cameroon joined the rest of the world to commemorate the World Mental Health day under the theme: “Living with Schizophrenia”

Activities to mark the celebration were chaired by the Secretary of States in charge of epidemics and pandemics theMinistry of Public Health, Alim Hayatou.

During this occasion, more than 20 patients were consulted while affected families were given more education on how to combat this disease that has ruined more than 10 percent of the country’s population.

It was revealed that Schizophrenia is a mental disease that affects the personality of a human being and cause abnormal behaviors. It is caused by the misuse of illicit drugs such as Indian hem.

It may also result from poor mental health, and hormonal problems in the brain, genetic factors and difficulties in life.

Dr. Jean Pierre Kamga Olen, a psychiatrist revealed that this disease could be treated in three phases: the biological using drugs, psychological with follow up of the patients and their relatives while social treatment includes the use of recreational activities and occupational facilities such as agriculture, carpentry, piggery, and poultry farming.

Schizophrenia is uncommon in children but visible in adolescents. In Cameroon, some 80-90% of mad people suffer from Schizophrenia.

The Ministry of Public Health has put in place a program for the management of mad people on the streets.