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Schizophrenia in northern Sri Lanka
D J Somasundaram1, S Yoganathan, T Ganesvaran
1University Psychiatry Unit, Base Hospital Tellipallai, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
The Ceylon Medical Journal
|September 1, 1993
Summary
This study describes 148 Sri Lankan schizophrenia patients, finding paranoid schizophrenia most common and noting 81% improved after hospitalization. The research highlights key demographics and symptom presentation in this patient group.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Schizophrenia presents a significant global mental health challenge.
- Understanding regional variations in schizophrenia presentation is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of schizophrenic patients in northern Sri Lanka.
- To compare these findings with international data on schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study was conducted on 148 schizophrenic patients admitted to a university psychiatry unit.
- Data collected included demographics, family history, presenting symptoms, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- The majority of patients (65%) were aged 15-34, with a slight female predominance (85 females, 63 males).
- A positive family history was reported in 63% of patients, and first-rank symptoms in 76%.
- Paranoid schizophrenia was the most frequent subtype; catatonic schizophrenia was rare. Average hospitalization was 21 days, with 81% showing improvement.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a demographic and clinical profile of schizophrenia in northern Sri Lanka.
- Findings suggest similarities and differences compared to international schizophrenia patient cohorts.
- Further research is needed to explore etiological factors and optimize treatment strategies in the region.