On the occasion of World Schizophrenia Day, observed on May 24, mental health experts in Nagpur highlighted the urgent need to address stigma, improve awareness, and ensure timely treatment for patients living with schizophrenia.
Expert Insights on Schizophrenia Treatment
Dr. Abhishek Somani, professor and head of the department of psychiatry at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital, noted that schizophrenia remains highly under-treated due to widespread misconceptions. He addressed a common query from families: whether medication can be stopped once a patient feels better. Schizophrenia often requires long-term, sometimes lifelong treatment. While doctors may gradually reduce dosage when a patient remains stable, medicines should never be discontinued without medical advice, he emphasized.
Marriage and Social Life
Dr. Somani stated that patients with schizophrenia can lead successful married lives, provided there is openness and acceptance regarding the diagnosis. Not disclosing the illness before marriage can create serious issues later. Today, support platforms and agencies help individuals find understanding partners who accept both the person and the diagnosis. He also stressed that recovered patients are fully capable of handling responsibilities and leading productive lives. Families often become overprotective because recovery may take months or due to relapses caused by stopping medicines prematurely. However, once stable, patients can work to their full potential in a supportive environment.
Medical Perspective and Advances
Senior psychiatrist Dr. Suleman Virani emphasized that schizophrenia should be viewed as a medical condition rather than a personal weakness. With early diagnosis, proper treatment, and strong family support, many patients can lead meaningful and productive lives. We must break the stigma around mental illness so that patients feel safe seeking help without fear or shame. Compassion, understanding, and timely psychiatric care can significantly improve outcomes, he said.
Progress in Psychiatric Care
Dr. Virani pointed out that advances in psychiatric care over the last two decades have greatly improved recovery rates and quality of life for patients with schizophrenia. Newer medicines with fewer side effects, long-acting injectable treatments, psychotherapy, rehabilitation programmes, and family support systems have enabled many patients to return to studies, work, and social life more effectively.
