Over 154 Million People Suffer From Depression Globally: Dr. Ansari

Around 154 million people suffer from depression in different parts of the world, among them 25 million people are in grip of schizophrenia, impairment in the perception of reality. Eminent Psychiatrist and chairman department of Psychiatry LUMHS Dr. Moin Ahmed Ansari,

HYDERABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Mar, 2018 ) :Around 154 million people suffer from depression in different parts of the world, among them 25 million people are in grip of schizophrenia, impairment in the perception of reality.

Eminent Psychiatrist and chairman department of Psychiatry LUMHS Dr. Moin Ahmed Ansari, while talking to APP said that there is an alarming increase in the incidence of mental illness due to a persistent wave of violence, political turmoil and frequent changes in the social fabric in many countries worldwide.

As a result of this, psychiatric disorders have been reported, such as depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, he elaborated. Dr.Moin Ahmed Ansari informed that the exact causes of schizophrenia are unknown but research suggests a combination of physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors can make a person more likely to develop the condition.

He said that drugs don't directly cause schizophrenia, but studies have shown drug misuse increases the risk of developing schizophrenia or a similar illness.

Certain drugs, particularly cannabis, cocaine, LSD or amphetamines, may trigger symptoms of schizophrenia in people who are susceptible, Dr.

Moin informed. Dr. Ansari said that schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects thinking, emotions and behavior. Sign and symptoms are usually variable and include changes in perception, emotion, thinking and behavior.

The effect of illness is severe & is usually long lasting, he added. He said that there were many factors contributory to high rates of mental health problems in Pakistan. The inter-family marriages, high rates of birth injuries, economic decline, growing unemployment and rapidly changing cultural and social values are some of the causes, he added.

Dr. Ansari further said that due to lack of awareness, people with psychological and emotional problems often visit faith healers, spiritual leaders, homeopathic doctors, magicians and Hakims only to be abused by them. There are limited numbers of mental health professionals in the country, he added.