Neuropsychiatric hospital admits 300 mentally-ill patients monthly

The Provost and Medical Director of Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr Timothy Adewale yesterday disclosed that the hospital admits between 250 and 300 new mental illness patients monthly.

Adewale equally disclosed that one out of four people is likely to have mental illness in any society.

Speaking in Abeokuta on at a seminar organised by the hospital to mark this year’s World Mental Health Day with the theme “Young People and Mental Health In A Changing World, Adewale said half of all mental illness begins at age 14, but most of the cases go undetected and untreated.

“On month basis, we have record of between 250 to 300 patients in our hospital. I am not talking about those ones who are already with us. These are the new patients,” he said.

He identified harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs among adolescents as a major factor causing medical illness, saying it could lead to unsafe sex, dangerous driving and crimes.

The Medical Director called on the National Assembly to pass the Mental Health Bill since its meant to protect the citizens’ interest.

He equally called for government’s investment in social, education sector and evidence-based programmes for the mental health of the young people with a view to tackling increase of mental illness in the society.

Adewale said: “Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-years. Harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs among adolescents are the major issues in many countries and can lead to risky behaviours such as unsafe sex, dangerous driving and crimes. Investment should be linked to programmes to raise awareness among adolescents and young adults on ways to look after their mental health, and to peers, parents and teachers know how to support their friends, children and students”, he said