Posted by By Eromosele Ebhomele on
Most Nigerians may not know it but stress has been identified as a major cause of mental problems, including madness.
Most Nigerians may not know it but stress has been identified as a major cause of mental problems, including madness.
This is coming at a time the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, confirmed that on the average, 15 new cases of mental disorders are reported at the hospital daily.
With this revelation, it is expected that by December, this year, there will be a total of 5,475 new cases.
In 2006, the total number of reported mental disorders at the hospital was put at 4,013 while this increased slightly in 2007 to 4,096.
A consultant psychiatrist and chemical psychologist at the hospital, Dr. Richard Ademola Adebayo, opined that the estimated figure would exceed what is currently anticipated. According to him, the hospital sometime handles up to 25 new cases daily.
For example, on 18 September, this year, the hospital had a total of 400 patients and the number keeps increasing daily.
'Just as there is increase in the population, and the influx of people to cities like Lagos, there is a strain on the social structure, traffic, accommodation and cost of living.
'Then, there is increase in stress which is a major factor to be considered here. When there is increase in stress, it can trigger off mental problems, especially for those already predisposed to it genetically,' Dr. Adebayo told P.M.News in his office.
Figures obtained from the psychiatric hospital show that patients brought to the hospital as a result of mental problems induced by abuse of drugs stood at 272 in 2006 and 281 in 2007. This again might increase considering the rate at which addicts are brought in for admission, according to the hospital.
Explaining the possible reasons for the increase in mental cases, Adebayo said most Nigerians are ignorant of the fact that their behaviours, habits and the nature of the jobs they do could trigger the ailment.
Corroborating experts' stand that a conglomeration of factors is responsible for psychiatric disorder, the consultant said the biological factors can be more hereditary in nature. There are also the psychological and sociological factors.
One of such biological factors, according to experts, result when parents with mental disorder transfer it to their offsprings genetically or during pregnancy.
Congenital abnormalities during pregnancy by mothers can also result in mental disorder. These can result from medications used during pregnancy, influenza and other viral infections which affect the mother.
The consultant psychologist also identified the use of un-prescribed drugs by pregnant mothers that can lead to chromosomal problems that may affect the child's brain.
Some other factors in this category, according to him, include prolonged labour by pregnant women, delivery in unhygienic environment, manipulations by quacks, severe jaundice and umblical cord infection.
'Also, meningitis, heavy injuries sustained during fatal accidents, heavy consumption of alcohol, abuse of drugs could lead to brain damage over a long time. The person starts hallucinating and hears strange voices. Even cigarettes and glue are psychoactive substances,' Dr. Adebayo said as he claimed that old age and Alzhema's disease are causes too.