Nigerian youths make up 85% of psychiatric cases
By Chinyere Ogbonna – The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), says that youths account for eighty-five percent of psychiatric cases in the country. President of the association, Dr Taiwo Sheikh, who stated this in an interview with journalists in Abuja, this was due to drug and substance abuse.
Dr. Sheikh expressed concern that the figure of psychiatric cases posed serious threat to the future of Nigeria. According to Dr. Sheikh, an investigation by the association revealed that causes of mental disorder among Nigerian youths were beyond drug abuse as the youths now inhaled lizard faeces.
“They also put their noses in pit toilets and smoke match sticks to get high.” He said that most of the youths affected by the lifestyle were between the ages of 18 and 38, the most productive segment of the population.
He therefore called on the Federal Government and relevant agencies not to treat the problem with kids glove as investigations had shown that the lifestyle was common among the rich, poor, male and even the female folks. “People always think that this is a problem common among the poor and jobless, but studies have shown that even the working class is not left out.
“Current studies carried out in the North-West shows that women are not left out in substance use disorders either. We found that not only young or single ladies are involved but housewives and mothers. It is sad that this category of people who are supposed to be parents looking after their children go around misusing drugs like cough mixtures and pain-killers.
“Our young men are sniffing lizard faeces, they are putting their noses into pit toilets to inhale things from there and they are also smoking match sticks. “It is now beyond the abuse of drugs sold in pharmacies.
“Before now, when you talk of substance use disorder your mind goes to use and abuse of substances like heroine, Indian hemp or cocaine but this trend has changed.” He reiterated the need to intensify efforts to educate citizens on the dangers and health risks of engaging in substance abuse.
The APN Chief said that engaging in the campaign was crucial as getting addicted to drugs and substances was quite easy. According to the Psychiatrist, the moment you used these drugs once or twice, you get hooked as the substances are addictive.
Dr. Sheikh advised the public to always seek medical advice when not in a state of good health, rather than resorting to self-medication.
