Family doctor day: 55.2% of out-patients in Kano suffer depression, 4% in psychiatric

Approximately, 55.2%, more than half of the patients visiting General Out Patients Department (GOPD) of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) for medical consultations suffer one form of depression or the other research conducted at the hospital has suggested. It also revealed that about 4% of the population has suffered severe cases of depression and are currently undergoing psychiatric treatment at […]

Approximately, 55.2%, more than half of the patients visiting General Out Patients Department (GOPD) of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) for medical consultations suffer one form of depression or the other research conducted at the hospital has suggested.

It also revealed that about 4% of the population has suffered severe cases of depression and are currently undergoing psychiatric treatment at the psychiatric section of the hospital.

Dr. Abdullahi Kabir Suleiman, a consultant family physician with the hospital (AKTH) who disclosed this to journalist during a public sensitisation workshop on depression at Sa’adatu Rimi college of education Kano, stated that most of the people affected were victims of broken homes and had suffered lack of support at one point or the other.

According to him most of the victims were females usually divorced; single or separated from their spouses with few others being victims of terrorist’s acts, and substance abuse (IDPs).

He said some of them have already started exhibiting depression with psychotic symptoms thus the need to refer them to psychiatrists.

Speaking about dangers of depression to human health Dr. Salihu Tanko Tanimu who is the acting head of GOPD Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital related the condition with other ailments like hypertension, diabetics and obesity and eventual death through suicide.

‘’At worse, depression leads to suicide, that is what we are trying to avoid that is what has been rising. It can also lead to other chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetics, obesity and many others" he said.

He advised the public to always try to share their concerns friends and family members saying failure to share one’s problem leads to isolation and suicidal thoughts which can lead to eventual death.