Ludhiana: Marking World Schizophrenia Day, MindPlus, a NABH-accredited mental health and rehabilitation centre, conducted awareness sessions at MindPlus Doraha and Chandigarh Press Club.
This initiative, part of World Mental Health Awareness Month, aimed to raise public understanding of schizophrenia and reinforce the importance of comprehensive mental health care.
Schizophrenia: A Misunderstood Mental Illness
Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic psychiatric disorder that affects over 80 lakh people in India—nearly 1% of the population. Characterized by disruptions in thinking, perception, and emotional responsiveness, it often leads to profound social and occupational challenges.
Consultant psychiatrist Dr Lakshmi Shodhana shared insights into the neurobiological basis of schizophrenia, highlighting disturbances in dopamine and glutamate pathways as contributing factors.
Dr. Shodhana emphasized the urgent need for early diagnosis and long-term multidisciplinary care. The illness presents with a wide range of symptoms:
- Positive symptoms: Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking
- Negative symptoms: Apathy, lack of motivation, emotional flatness
- Cognitive symptoms: Impaired concentration, memory loss, problem-solving difficulties
- Affective symptoms: Anxiety, depression, and mood instability
Without proper treatment, individuals often face stigma, isolation, and a significantly reduced life expectancy—by up to 20 years.
Rehabilitation as a Core Component of Recovery
Speaking at the session, psychiatrist Dr Ankush Bhatia (MindPlus Doraha) stressed the limitations of medication in addressing cognitive and motivational impairments. “Rehabilitation fills this gap,” he said. “It empowers individuals to function meaningfully in society.”
MindPlus presented its six-phase, evidence-based rehabilitation program, tailored for individuals with schizophrenia:
- Assessment & Formulation – In-depth evaluations to design personalized care plans
- Stabilization – Reducing acute symptoms via medication and therapy
- Skill Building – Addressing cognitive deficits and improving coping strategies
- Family Involvement – Educating caregivers to support recovery
- Community Testing – Vocational training, social integration, and real-world simulations
- Discharge & Follow-Up – Seamless transition with ongoing support and relapse prevention
Using a combination of cognitive remediation, occupational therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques, the program focuses on enabling individuals to regain independence and enhance their quality of life.
Voices of Hope and Resilience
The event concluded with personal stories from patients who shared their recovery journeys. Their testimonials underscored the power of compassionate care, timely treatment, and community support in overcoming schizophrenia.
Breaking Stigma, Building Futures
MindPlus reaffirmed its mission to build a stigma-free society where people with schizophrenia are not defined by their condition but empowered to thrive. On World Schizophrenia Day, the centre called for greater public awareness, stronger community-based services, and a renewed societal commitment to mental wellness and inclusion.
