SCARF is the acronym for the Schizophrenia Research Foundation, a non governmental, non profit organization in Chennai (Formerly Madras) in south India Founded in 1984 by a group of philanthropists and mental health professionals led by Dr. M.Sarada Menon, an internationally known psychiatrist, SCARF has established itself as a center of repute in rehabilitation and research in disorders of the mind. The present team led by the Director Dr. R.Thara is composed of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, rehab personnel, administrative and support staff. SCARF is one of the very few NGOs in the world to be named as a Collaborating Center of the World Health Organization ( WHO) for Mental Health Research and Training. SCARF would like to reach and support a wider community of patients and their caregivers through this community platform.
Dr. Shivaprakash Srinivasan, Child Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist at SCARF puts the spotlight on the growing trend of cyberbullying, the impact of cyberbullying on adolescent mental health and what parents and educators/teachers can do to prevent cyberbullying and spot signs. The internet since its introduction to the public in the early 1990’s has been changing the world at a really rapid pace. It has been making communication with persons around the world astoundingly easy and also…
Sangeetha Param, a 24 year old living with bipolar disorder and depression, is a successful employee, has authored two books and is no longer afraid to talk in public about her mental health issues. Read her reflective piece. "I have bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder”. “Do you know what they are?" I ask. The general responses are – "I don't know". "They are just mood swings, right?" "I have the exact same thing". "I know what you are talking about. I read it online that it's…
It is often misconstrued that people with schizophrenia are being lazy when they find it hard to continue with a job. Yuna Angell, who has schizophrenia, writes about her work experience at a fast food restaurant and what happened to her there. If you have schizophrenia, you will probably experience a LOT of delusions, some hallucinations, and you will also hear voices as symptoms of the mental illness. When you say you are “Feeling better”, it does not mean that you are ‘cured’. Honestly,…
Dr R. Mangala, consultant psychiatrist, SCARF India describes early symptoms to recognize schizophrenia and emphasizes the importance of timely detection, intervention and treatment to minimize disability and improve chances of recovery. Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler describes schizophrenia as – “A slowly progressive deterioration of the entire personality, which involves mainly the affective life, and expresses itself in disorders of feeling, thought and conduct, and a tendency to withdraw…
Dr Mangala of SCARF (Schizophrenia Research Foundation) of Chennai shares wonderful case studies where friends and relatives have supported the person with schizophrenia empathetic and responsible caregiving. Plus 20 practical tips for caregivers. The warmth and comfort we receive from a caring family member in times of distress, especially illness, often leaves us reflecting “What would I have done without him/her?" The presence of a loving relative by our side is far more reassuring…
A person with schizophrenia can start to lose normal thoughts as T.J. had when he was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 26. The voices in his head, bouts of hallucination and aggression tormented him. He tried different psychiatrists till he found the right support and holistic care. Read on. My name is T.J . I am 36-years-old and I have schizophrenia. I live in Chennai. I was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2006 when I was just 26. The following is my ordeal. I had a happy childhood like…
It can be formidable task to raise a child with either autism or schizophrenia. But when the two come together, the challenge escalates. Deepak Srivastava, recounts how his wife grapples with his 22-year-old son, Soumitra’s impulsive aggression. Our second son, Soumitra, was born autistic. We did not realize it initially; it was only when his growth milestones like walking or talking were not being met that we sensed something wrong. His behaviour pattern too was odd. He would stare awkwardly…
"It is almost a miracle that my sister and I now behave like normal sisters in any other family -- fighting, sharing and laughing." A first person account of a sister caring for a sibling with schizophrenia. The Beginning of Hope When we came to SCARF, the Psychiatrist Dr. SK was the 10th doctor to whom we had come to in January 2014. We should have ideally met her some 16 years ago. Our journey had been a long one, with highs and lows, trials and tribulations, sometimes even thorny. But the…
Schizophrenia is one of the ten most disabling illness affecting individuals. Manisha Shastri answers some of the common and frequently asked questions that people have about Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a mental illness affecting 1 per cent of the global population. It affects individuals irrespective of gender, race, age, socio – economic class and geographical location. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed Schizophrenia as one of the ten most disabling disorders affecting…
Exercise and yoga can improve quality of life for people with mental illness and reduce risks of strokes, diabetes, auditory hallucinations and other health problems, informs Dr R Padmavati, Additional Director, Schizophrenia Research Foundation. World Health Organisation defines physical activity as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Physical activity is not just "exercise". Exercise, is a subcategory of physical activity that is planned,…
My wife recently got diagonisis with the schizophrenia. she was under olanzapine 10 mg for the last 6 months. currently she is not feeling with delusions and hallousinations but she has no motivation to do any work and very less confidence. I am…
my age is 35 years from the past 3- 4 months iam experiencing sleepiness when iam reading when iam in spiritual work i could also rarely concentrate totally in spiritual work thought process is always on iam trying some ways like preparing for…
I know someone who was diagnosed with schezophrenia about 6 years back. He has been on reducing dosage of medication as the doctor started seeing improving results.
There have been a couple of instances where the patient stopped medication, but the…
Request/question from a sister:
hello.m from chandigarh India needs help for my brother.He has been
suffering from schizophrenia since 3 years.He is an engineer student too.He
can't concentrate in his day to day life due to the side effect of ricnia…
Are there any mental health support groups in north Chennai like roypuram , central, mount road, thiruvottiyur ..scarf is very far
Can a person suffering from mental disorder and stable on medication accompany spouse when the spouse travels related to the office work to other countries for kind of 3 to 6 months. The couple live in India. The person needs to carry prescribed…
Can any one guide me on finding jobs in Chennai for people with schizophrenia but are completely normal on medication.such that knowing the illness n its limitations.
My elder sister was suspected to be suffering from Schizophrenia and she was under medication from a Psychiatrist during which time her condition had improved. then all of a sudden she refused to take medication and over the last few years her…
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