Experts Stress Early Treatment, Family Support

Nagpur: On the occasion of World Schizophrenia Day, observed on May 24, mental health experts highlighted the urgent need to address stigma, improve awareness, and ensure timely treatment for patients living with schizophrenia.Speaking about the condition, Dr Abhishek Somani, professor and head of the department of psychiatry at Indira Gandhi Govt Medical College and Hospital, said schizophrenia continues to remain highly under-treated due to widespread misconceptions surrounding mental illness."One of the most common questions families ask is whether medicines can be stopped once the patient feels better. Schizophrenia often requires long-term, sometimes lifelong treatment. While doctors may gradually reduce the dosage when a patient remains stable, medicines should never be stopped without medical advice," he said.Dr Somani said 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, there are support platforms and agencies that help individuals find understanding partners who accept both the person and the diagnosis," he added.Dr Somani 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," he said.Senior psychiatrist Dr Suleman Virani said 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," he said."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," Dr Virani said.He further 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. According to him, 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.