According to studies, one per cent of the population suffers from schizophrenia, a disease that causes delusions and hallucinations to the patient. If treated, 50 per cent of patients can lead normal lives, while the remaining 50 per cent will need family support. If left untreated, the patient may even commit suicide or go missing and eventually die of malnutrition or dehydration.
The Prevalence Rate for schizophrenia is approximately 1.1% of the population over the age of 18 or, in other words, at any one time as many as 51 million people worldwide suffer from schizophrenia, including 6 to 12 million people in China (a rough estimate based on the population), 4.3 to 8.7 million people in India (a rough estimate based on the population),2.2 million people in USA,285,000 people in Australia, Over 280,000 people in Canada and over 250,000 diagnosed cases in Britain. In India, the prevalence of schizophrenia is about 3/1000 individuals. These are facts that not many people know.
Psychiatrists and psychologists across the globe observe May 24 as World Schizophrenia Day mainly to promote awareness about the disease. There are a number of factors that influence stigma in schizophrenia and it is important to understand them to successfully treat the illness. Though our country has several self-help and support groups working towards removing the myths and misconceptions related to schizophrenia, more such organizations need to come on the forefront to create an awareness about the disease for its early diagnosis and treatment.
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