I use this opportunity, once again, to discuss mental illness in an attempt to lift the veil of secrecy, shame and stigma over mental disorders.

Mental illness is like any other illness and we are all vulnerable to the condition. The fact is that one in four lives is affected by mental illness. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder which affects about 300 persons every year in Jamaica.

1. What are the causes?

The underlying cause of mental disorders such as schizophrenia is a chemical imbalance in the brain. In schizophrenia, the amount of the chemical, dopamine, is increased. The brain chemical imbalance may be hereditary or due to injury to the brain. Drugs, such as marijuana (ganja), increase the levels of dopamine in the brain and that is why marijuana may precipitate schizophrenia or make it worse in persons who already have the disease.

2. What are the features of this condition?

Persons living with schizophrenia may have certain experiences such as hallucinations or hold false beliefs. Hallucination is the experience of hearing voices that are not present or seeing things that do not really exist. The voices may give commands, comment on one's behaviour or discuss things about the affected person. People experiencing hallucinations may see things such as persons entering a room or in the dark.

The false beliefs that occur in schizophrenia are called delusions. Individuals may have delusions in which they claim that people are trying to hurt them or are spying on them, following them or plotting against them.

Some people with schizophrenia display disorganised behaviour or speech. Disorganised behaviour includes dressing strangely or expressing irrational ideas.

3. Can schizophrenia be cured?

Schizophrenia cannot be cured but it can be treated. The majority of people with this condition must take medication to remain stable. A lot of new drugs have been developed over the past 20 years and many of these newer drugs have fewer side effects than some of the older medications.

4. What medications are available?

The drugs used to treat schizophrenia are called antipsychotics medications. These drugs are able to control the hallucinations and delusions associated with schizophrenia and this will enable people with the condition to live as normal a life as possible.

5. Can persons living with schizophrenia live normal lives?

Most definitely, many people with this condition are living normal lives. We live and work with them every day. They go to school, graduate from universities, work, are involved in all professions, get married, raise families, live in our communities and contribute to the society.

6. Are persons with mental illness violent?

Most people with mental disorders are not violent. The majority of violent people are not mentally ill. A small number of people suffering from mental disorders may become violent.

7. Never describe a person by an illness

We should never describe a person by an illness. Many people find this objectionable and lacking in good taste. We do not refer to people as the diabetic teacher or the sickle-cell student. When it comes to illness, we should be more sensitive, tolerant and respectful.

8. What to do when someone has a mental disorder?

Seek professional help. Most families have great difficulties accepting mental disorders. Many people become upset with me when I tell them that they (or a family member) have schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a diagnosis that all psychiatrists can make with ease. When a psychiatrist informs you of this diagnosis, chances are he or she is perfectly correct.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Department Of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.