A clinical Psychologist with the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Psychiatric Unit Dr. Ruth Owusu Antwi has warned that one major cause of the Bipolar Mental Disorder condition can be attributed to the prevailing economic conditions currently facing the country and the World in general.

Speaking to SOMPA NEWS on World Bipolar Day observed on 30^th March yearly, Dr. Ruth Owusu Antwi who is also the head of the Psychiatric Unit of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital said the upsurge in the cases of Bipolar disorder must be a concern to every Ghanaian since the cases could rise due to the harsh stress most victims encounter in their lives due to the economic conditions facing especially our parts of the World. Available statistics revealed indicated that there was a sharp increase of the bipolar cases of 1,759 during the year under review in addition to the data made available.

But espousing further, Dr. Ruth Owusu Antwi maintained that the cases of upsurge could not be peculiar to only Bipolar disorder conditions adding that there have been increases in other mental health conditions as well. She further disclosed that the attitude of most Ghanaians towards people with mental disorders needs to be changed since people in such situations may feel despised or accommodated in the societies they belong to.

Dr. Ruth Owusu Antwi who confirmed that family backgrounds of patients was also a contributory factor, stress remain the major cause of the Bipolar disorder conditions in most cases of their records in the country. World Bipolar Day is observed on March 30, as it coincides with the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, a renowned artist who suffered from bipolar disorder. On this day, various events and activities take place around the world to raise awareness about bipolar disorder.

Source: Ghana/Sompaonline.com/Asante-Yeboah Benedict