Mental health is an essential aspect of a person’s overall well-being. However, mental disorders are prevalent worldwide, including Uganda. Mental health disorders are medical conditions that affect a person’s thinking, behavior, and mood. They can manifest in different forms, ranging from anxiety and depression to more severe conditions like schizophrenia. In this blog post, we will discuss the major mental disorders in Uganda, their prevalence, and how they can be managed.
Mental Health In Uganda
Particularly for individuals seeking development, Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. When a person is unhealthy, their ability to participate and contribute. As a productive community member diminishes, whether the illness is physical or mental. Thus, it is imperative that health services are adequate, accessible, and culturally sensitive. According to the 1978 Declaration of Alma-Ata, primary health care must be practical, scientifically sound, and socially acceptable. If health care is not socially accepted, no amount of resources will ensure a healthy life. While science and medicalization are vital in supporting health, they should not neglect the culture and demands of the people.
An American journalist, Ethan Watters, highlights the influence of the medicalization of mental health in America on a global scale in his book The Globalization of the American Psyche (2010). Watters argues that the way the world understands the human mind is becoming homogenized by America. He traces how mental illness manifestations have changed across various places and times and how American definitions and treatments of illnesses have become international standards. Watters notes that with the increasing speed of globalization, “indigenous forms of mental illness and healing are being bulldozed by disease categories and treatments made in the USA.” Mental illnesses popularized in the United States, such as depression, PTSD, and anorexia, are now spreading worldwide. Cultural expectations of how individuals should react to trauma have important implications on their experience of illness. Affecting physical and mental health and the public’s perceptions of such experiences.
Uganda, Like Many Other Countries, Still Faces The Impacts Of Its Colonial Past.
The influence of Christianity, the English language, medical practices, and other formal institutions. Along with internalized beliefs, is evident in the organization of various institutions. Such as religion, education, government, legal systems, media, health, and language. Despite this, many Ugandans maintain a strong connection to their family’s history, language, and culture. For instance, in the capital city of Kampala, many people still speak Luganda, perform traditional dances, music, and ceremonies, and seek mental health care from traditional healers instead of medical professionals. Understanding the factors that have influenced how mental health is handled in Uganda. Including the impact of colonialism and globalization, is essential.
Butabika Hospital
Mental health encompasses more than just the absence of disease or disorder, as it includes social, cognitive, spiritual, and emotional aspects. In Uganda, mental illnesses have traditionally been considered a curse, and treatment was provided by local traditional healers who focused on the casting out of evil spirits.
However, due to local and international pressures to improve services through medicalization. Mental health care has changed over time, and the government has been pursuing policies that encourage the medicalization of mental health and the inclusion of mental health care into the public health sector. The journey towards the improvement of care for the mentally ill began in 1916. And today, Butabika Hospital operates as the National Referral Mental Institution in Uganda and offers a wide range of care. Including inpatient and outpatient mental health services, nursing and psychiatric training, community education, and resettlement assistance.
The Ugandan government has developed a draft mental health policy fo The Major Mental Disorders in Uganda that includes reforms to decentralize mental health services, integrate mental health services into Primary Health Care (PHC), construct mental health inpatient units within the Regional Referral Hospitals, and train staff at all levels, among others. So, this draft policy was developed using The World Health Organization Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS) to strengthen mental health services in the country. The government’s support for mental health care allows people to receive treatment at regional facilities across the country instead of traveling far distances to Kampala.
The Major Mental Disorders in Uganda
Depression:
It is a common mental disorder in Uganda, affecting over 3 million people. Depression can affect a person’s quality of life, making it difficult for them to carry out daily activities. Symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and thoughts of suicide. Treatment for depression may include psychotherapy and medication.
Anxiety Disorders:
Anxiety disorders are also prevalent in Uganda, with over 2 million people affected. This disorder manifest in different forms, including panic disorders, phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder. Symptoms of anxiety disorders include excessive worry, restlessness, and irritability. Treatment may include medication and psychotherapy.
Schizophrenia is One Of The Major Mental Disorders in Uganda
Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is a combination of symptoms that can include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking and speech, social withdrawal, and diminished emotional expression. Individuals with schizophrenia often struggle to differentiate between what is real and what is not. Leading to significant disruptions in their daily functioning and relationships.
The exact cause of schizophrenia is not known, but it is believed to be a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors. Research suggests that imbalances in certain brain chemicals, particularly dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to the development of the disorder. Genetic factors also play a role, as individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
Symptoms of schizophrenia are typically categorized into positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Positive symptoms are characterized by the presence of abnormal experiences beyond normal perception. Such as hallucinations (perceiving things that are not there) and delusions (holding false beliefs not based on reality). Negative symptoms involve a decrease or absence of normal functioning, such as reduced emotional expression, social withdrawal, and difficulty in initiating and sustaining activities. Cognitive symptoms include problems with attention, memory, and executive functioning, which can significantly impact a person’s ability to plan, organize, and make decisions.
Bipolar Disorder is One Of The Major Mental Disorders in Uganda
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that causes severe mood swings, including periods of depression and mania. It affects over 500,000 people in Uganda. Symptoms of bipolar disorder include changes in sleep patterns, energy, and activity levels. Treatment may include medication and psychotherapy.
