It is estimated that about six million South Africans are grappling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prompting Dr Eugene Allers of the South African Society of Psychiatry (Sasop) to call South Africa as a ‘breeding ground’ for psychiatric problems.
Due to constant exposure to traumatic conditions, statistics show that 25% of South Africans portrayed some form of psychiatric problem of which one-third belonged to the 30 to 40 age group.Nearly 25% of victims of rape suffered PTSD. Further, nearly 70% of people suffering psychiatric problems also suffered from chronic depression and 50% of them battled PTSD.
Studies also showed that 58% to 94% of children were exposed to violence. One out of 5 such children go on to suffer mental health problems which needs immediate treatment.
The country had about 350 psychiatrists and 2000 psychotherapists, insufficient to meet the nation’s growing mental health needs.
Source-Medindia
SAV/L
