Stigmatization discourages mental illness patients to seek medical attention – Expert

A medical expert in the department of community medicine Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Gadanya has revealed that, stigma and discrimination against those with mental health challenges has been a major issue discouraging the patients from seeking medical attention. Dr. Gadanya made this known during an awareness campaign organised by the Federal […]

A medical expert in the department of community medicine Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Gadanya has revealed that, stigma and discrimination against those with mental health challenges has been a major issue discouraging the patients from seeking medical attention.

Dr. Gadanya made this known during an awareness campaign organised by the Federal Neuro psychiatric Hospital, Kware Sokoto State on the prevalence, treatment, care and support of mental illness patients held at AKTH.  According to him, there are over 300 diagnosable mental illnesses, some mild, some moderate and others severe adding that majority of mental illness cases recorded are the mild and the moderate, which constitute about 80% while the severe ones are the remaining 20%.

He added that, the awareness campaign taking place in the Northwest part of the country to seek reduction in stigma and discrimination against those with mental health challenges.

“Stigma, which involves stereotyping and discriminating those with mental illnesses, by their relatives and even those treating them can hinder seeking help, treatment and rehabilitation. It is equally very important to note that mental illness is treatable and also ca be prevented using simple methods of mental health hygiene among others,” said Dr Gadanya.