HONG KONG: Most people are confused about the meaning of the term psychosis. One thing they are certain about, however, is that they harbor prejudices toward those who suffer from psychosis, a university study revealed yesterday. Misunderstandings of these mental disturbances may result in delayed treatment of those who suffer from the illness. Approximately one in every 100 people experience persistent psychotic symptoms worldwide.

The University of Hong Kong department of psychiatry conducted phone interviews with 1,016 local people aged 18 or above in April. The survey was the first in the city to examine local public awareness on psychosis.

Some 71 percent of the respondents thought patients with psychosis have dual or multiple personalities. Sixty percent believed the patients often shout or talk to themselves. More than half perceived that they exhibit strange or annoying behavior.

According to Eric Chen Yu-hai, a psychiatry professor from the university, psychosis refers to a set of symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions and disorganized speech, that may result from an imbalance of chemicals in brains.

But the disorder is a physiological condition rather than a personality disorder. It is uncommon for patients to demonstrate bizarre behavior, Chen said.

"The affected individuals will become anxious or depressed after experiencing delusions," he said, "but the duration is very short. Symptoms will be under control in one or two months, then the patients will appear normal as others."

However, misunderstanding leads to serious stigmatization as the survey reveals.

Almost 90 percent of the respondents said they would set aside employment applications from psychotic patients. Over 50 percent said they would either consider themselves "superior" to mental patients or regard them as dangerous.

This high level of prejudice can exert pressure on patients and their families, causing delays in or avoidance of seeking professional help, Chen said.

"Yet with appropriate and timely treatment, patients can experience good recovery with resolution of distressing symptoms," he added.

(HK Edition 08/28/2009 page1)