Close to 62,000 adults in Fiji, 8 per cent of its total population, are likely to be suffering from mental disorder, according to the Medical Superintendent at St. Giles Hospital, Dr Odille Chang.
However, only about 5,300 to 6,200 people are seen annually at the country's only psychiatric facility, which leaves a treatment gap as wide as 90 per cent for people with mental disorders, she said.
According to St. Giles Hospital records, it had treated 5382 outpatients in 2005, 5980 in 2006, 6081 in 2007 and 6211 last year.
Dr Chang said the figures mentioned do not reflect the real situation of the number of cases at the national level.
"It would be a great underestimation of the number of people in Fiji having a psychiatric disorder. And from childhood to old age people can be affected by mental and behavioural disorders."
Using WHO estimates, approximately 14,000 adults in Fiji are expected to have some form of severe mental disorder and another 48,000 have a mild or moderate mental disorder, she said.
Psychiatric disorders like Schizophrenia (brain disease whose symptoms may include loss of personality, confusion, unusual behavior) and Bipolar Affective Disorder (a category of mood disorders) make up the majority of cases attended to at St Giles Hospital.
Schizophrenia accounts for about 64 per cent of all diagnoses and the latter accounts for nearly 30 per cent.
Dr Chang said taking medication for the treatment of psychiatric disorders is crucial.
"Many psychiatric disorders are chronic illnesses but can be treated. For patients admitted to St. Giles Hospital, an important part of their treatment is medication, psychosocial therapies/counseling, occupational therapy and involving relatives in their care and support."
Mental illnesses are treatable just like physical illnesses and patients need moral family support for recovery, she added.
"However, due to the stigma and misconceptions associated with mental illness and St. Giles, help for mental disorders are often sought at later stages of the illnesses which often make full recovery more difficult.
"Medication is one component, they also need good family and social support and communities and environments that will not discriminate against them negatively, in terms of education and employment opportunities, housing, because of their conditions."
Dr Chang says many people living with a mental disorder are able to contribute positively to their families and communities if given the right support and opportunities.
Some of the preventative measures revealed by Dr Chang include maintaining good physical health, limiting intake of substances such as alcohol and tobacco and avoiding abuse/use of illicit substances, eating healthily, adequate sleep/rest, exercising regularly, know the stressors that affect you and how to manage it, be informed on the signs and symptoms of mental disorders and seek help early.
Fijilive