A rare insight into a complex brain illness

A leading mental health expert will provide a rare insight into a complex brain illness affecting one in 100 people during their lifetime, at a public event next week.

Coinciding with Schizophrenia Awareness Week, Mending Minds: A Mental Health Community Presentation, will highlight to the public the importance of mental health research.

Director of the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, and fellow researchers, will discuss the latest treatment for people with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses including depression and bipolar disorder. Following the talks, the audience is encouraged to ask questions.

“Research is gradually leading to new treatments and diagnostic methods for this complex disease,” Professor Kulkarni said.

“The more research that is undertaken, the sooner we will be able to prevent and treat those affected by schizophrenia.

“The outlook for people with schizophrenia has significantly improved over the past decade and patients can lead fulfilling lives with treatment.”

The presentation includes information on hormone treatments, brain stimulation, the Voice’s Clinic, the Health Lifestyles program and various service related initiatives.

Ranked among the top 10 causes of disability in developed countries worldwide, schizophrenia is characterised by abnormalities in the perception of reality. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, impaired thinking, memory and emotional disturbances.

Mending Minds: A Mental Health Community Presentation will be held during Schizophrenia Awareness Week, 6 –7pm, Thursday 17 May, at the AMREP Education Centre (classroom three), Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road, Melbourne.

Provided by Monash University