Family support needed to treat schizophrenia, say docs

Stating that there have been a vast number of cases of parents letting go of their schizophrenic child, psychiatrist Dr Saranya R said, “The family has to bear the expenses of the treatment and also deal with the behavioural disturbances in the patient. In such difficult circumstances, while some tend to develop different kinds of coping techniques, many others lose patience and tend to give up on the patient. Caregivers have approached me for counselling as they were unable to bear the brunt of the entire experience,” she said. “It is essential that counsellors refrain from taking these caregivers for granted and ensure they get the help they need,” she added.

Stressing on the role a caregiver plays, she said, “The family caregiver plays multiple roles–taking day-to-day care, supervising medications, taking the patient to the hospital and meeting financial needs. Besides all this, the caregiver also has to deal with the behavioural disturbances from the patient, so he/she will experience considerable stress and burden.”

Stating that there is extensive evidence that supports the importance of families in the mental health care of persons with schizophrenia, Sajo G, a researcher, said, “Families here are however, not aware of how strong, personal relationships are all beneficial in treating the disease. While families provide emotional and financial support, they can also carry out the facilitation of treatment for their mentally ill relatives.” He added, “It is important to note that families are an important link between persons with schizophrenia and a better-quality life,” he added.