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The project was initiated to address the need for better psychoeducation on mental illnesses, which is a crucial element in the proper management of psychiatric patients. The first four CDs launched today were on schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). “Up to 21 percent of the Malaysian population suffers some form of mental illness, with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, depression and ADHD making up 17 percent of this figure,” said Professor Hussain Habil, Head, Department of Psychological Medicine at UMMC. “Poor insight, or the lack of understanding of the disease, is the most common cause of patients not getting the treatment they need in order to lead more normal lives. This is why psychoeducation is a crucial part of psychiatric care – patients and their family members need to be able to understand the illness, treatment options and management in order to be able to cope with it, as well as comply with treatment,” Professor Hussain continued. UMMC estimates that as many as 97 percent of schizophrenic patients suffer from poor insight towards their illness and the need for treatment. This often results in patients not acknowledging their illness, and refusing to take their medication, making family involvement and supervision all the more crucial in keeping them well. |
