Ms APRIL 19, 2015
ISSUE NO. 148
Schizophrenia 101 page
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A Hair Affair page
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inside En vogue — Summer brights
Domestic goddess — Add some zest in your life!
Section In-Charge: Dilaira Dubash Sub-Editors: Amna Hashmi Nisma Chauhan Feedback: women@tribune.com.pk
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The talented Sabiha Rita Hassan
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The buzz
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 19, 2015
Did you know?
40% people with schizophrenia make at least one attempt at suicide. Males are more prone to commit suicide than females.
In addition to this, the following environmental and social factors have also been found to contribute to the contraction of the disorder:
Low birth weight. Deprivation of oxygen and metabolism during infancy. Drug abuse. Social adversity. By Zohaib Amjad
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Design By Eesha Azam
Racial discrimination. Amir Qadeer, a 22-year-old engineering sophomore, was ranked at the top 5% of the class. With remarkable grades and a steady personal life, Amir had nothing to worry about until an unexpected twist in his third year of university completely changed his life. Voices from one or more people started to erupt in his mind telling him that his existence was futile. They said he deserved nothing and made him feel that the people around him intended on murdering him. After his parents decided to seek professional help, Amir was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. His fate is shared with 1% of the world’s population, according to World Health Mental Federation (WHMF). With less awareness of the disorder, especially in Pakistan where psychological disorders or mental illnesses border on social taboos, it is becoming increasingly difficult to treat schizophrenic patients with the medical help they require.
Schizophrenia is often described as a disorder in which the mind becomes the biggest enemy of the schizophrenic individual. It affects the way a person acts, thinks and sees the world, making them lose touch with reality. Just like Amir’s condition, paranoia sets in and people feel like a conspiracy is being plotted against them. They may feel like they are being watched or that everyone wants to harm them. “These aspects make the mundane activities of life appear increasingly intricate for the patients,” says Dr Amanat Mohsin, a psychiatrist at the Gulshan Psychiatrist Hospital in Karachi. The increasing number of patients and severity of the disease has ranked the disorder as the third most disabling condition in the UK’s leading medical journal, The Lancet Journal. Even though, it is not absolutely clear as to why an individual may suddenly start hallucinating or show other symptoms of Schizophrenia, according to studies, one of the factors may be genetic. In fact, genetics may have a 42% to 60% impact on the development of the condition. If one of the parents is afflicted with schizophrenia, there is a 13% chance for a child to contract the disorder. The risk is, however, multiplied three-folds if both parents are affected by the condition. While men may come forth in late teens or early twenties, women exhibit the condition in their late twenties to early thirties, according to WHMF.
Family dysfunction. Unemployment. Of course, these factors differ from person to person as each patient has different wiring in their brains, leading to misconnections. These pathologies ultimately contribute to the symptoms.
Unfortunately, there is no medical test available to accurately measure the mental changes, rendering the diagnosis rather tricky. Nonetheless, the presence of symptoms for six months or more warrants professional help. Considering the severity of the disorder, most psychiatrists term the symptoms into two notions — positive and negative. Even though, there is literally nothing positive about the disorder, the perceived positive symptoms are relatively of less danger to the life of the patient and easier to treat. These symptoms include hallucinations, voices that the patient hears and having delusions that indicate paranoia. On the other hand, negative symptoms encompass the flattened affect, i.e. loss of sense or pleasure, loss of will or drive and social withdrawal. An individual with these symptoms makes administering treatment more daunting. Disorganised thoughts are witnessed in their speech and behaviour. And this disorganised behaviour affects them on a day to day basis, rendering them incapable of carrying their daily chores. Failures in maintaining hygiene and preparation of meals are a few things the patient may acquire. Moreover,
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 19, 2015
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Some people with severe mental illness are capable of high levels of achievement and as daunting as the disorder may be, they have still managed some remarkable achievements. Some popular Schizophrenic personalities include:
their speech may be muddled, speaking of different topics at a time which is often described as a ‘word salad.’ One of the most common features is, however, the burst of unpredictable agitation or a child-like silliness. “In most of the cases, fully-fledged symptoms may manifest after a period, in which a gradual build up of symptoms is seen,” says Dr Amanat, adding this phase is known as the ‘prodromal phase.’ Most importantly, as soon as the positive or negative symptoms start to appear, relatives should consult the doctors as treatment may be needed immediately. Any delay in the treatment may result in worsening of the conditions. There are two approaches available for treatment — psychological therapy and medication. While medication is the best option despite the risk of side effects such as diabetes or obesity, they don’t improve communication skills, motivation and self-care. As a result, psychological treatments work more effectively. Help and support from family and friends is vital in treating schizophrenia as vocational counselling and other elements may be ineffective for patients suffering from a more severe form. In this case, training and counselling may also be given to family or friends to help them recover.
The stigma and the myths schizophrenia is painted with in the world today only contribute to our rejection of the disorder. The humiliation and isolation associated with it makes it even more difficult, discouraging patients and their families from going to the doctor. “However, effective treatment techniques have allowed many to beat the condition, at least in terms of being able to lead a normal life,” informs Dr Amanat. Amir, for one, remains grateful that he was companioned by such treatment. Promoting awareness and understanding on this condition will definitely allow for progression and steps are being taken in the right direction. Back in 2013, the first ever Schizophrenia week was launched, aimed at understanding and sparking sound conversation about the condition. The good news is that initiatives of this nature are being taken in Pakistan too. The leading NGOs of the country have gathered to observe the World Mental Health day, in which the theme was set to ‘Living with Schizophrenia.’ Even though it may be a long way to go, such initiatives will definitely sow the seeds for a better understanding and implementation of coping strategies for Schizophrenia in the future.
A mathematician and economist, John won the Nobel Prize for Economic Sciences in 1994. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and believed that all men who wore red ties were part of a communist conspiracy against him.
A prominent novelist, who the public believed to live a life of glamour, was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1930, 10 years after the release of her husband’s first novel, This Side of Paradise.
1. The National Alliance of Mental Illness indicates that 64% of people believe schizophrenia is a split personality disorder. One of the reasons for such magnanimous statistics is the portrayal of a schizophrenic individual in pop culture. Movies such as The Voices and Me, Myself and Irene involves the main characters exhibiting schizophrenic symptoms which have an inclination towards violent behaviour. 2. Another bizarre interpretation of schizophrenia is that is comes from demons. Patients are taken to faith healers and prescribed holy water or sanctified ointment, which only delays the treatment that patients actually need.
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En vogue
Showstopper displays its colourful new summer collection Coordination: Umer Mushtaq Hair and makeup: Sab’s Salon Label: Showstopper Multi-brand store Photography: Rohail Khaled Location: Fika Model: Gohar Butt
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 19, 2015
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 19, 2015
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Lifestyle
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 19, 2015
Ms T brings to you the most ethereal summer hairstyles, thanks to these innovative new hair accessories By Neha Javed | Design By Hira Fareed If there is one fashion that we tend to overlook, it is hair accessories. From Hollywood starlets to Bollywood divas, the stars have been endorsing a variety of new hair accessories on the red carpet. In fact, celebs such as Beyoncé Knowles and Deepika Padukone have incorporated the trend of headbands into their daily lives, glamming-up even the simplest of outfits. The trend, however, may not be completely new as women have been using different types of headbands or ornaments for centuries! The ancient Greeks are believed to have introduced them. Ms T has pulled together some great looks and the prettiest hair trinkets, to lend you some inspiration for the coming summer. Because no matter what your hair texture, length or style, a simple hair accessory is all you need to add the much-need oomph to your tresses.
• Metallic ombre clip: This gorgeous ornament will hold even the longest of locks in place, making them look simple and classy, throughout the day. If you want to rock the high ponytail, pinning the bottoms with an edgy metallic ombre clip is the way to go! • Headbands: Many of us may think of them as something only kids or teenagers wear but headbands can look nice, young and ‘proper’ if you wear them right. They look especially good with a messy bun to compliment your age and come in different materials, from plastic to metal and the famous 70s fabric headband, etcetera. Make a bold statement by wearing a headband with blue jeans and a loose top. • The headpiece: This hair accessory — commonly known as the matha patti on this side of the planet — is unfortunately only wearable at weddings. However, girls in the West have proved that these headpieces can turn a casual western outfit into a semiformal, bohemian look that is perfect for an evening dinner party. So don’t shy away from flaunting your favourite matha patti at the next get-together.
• Hair jewels: With an increase in globalised fashion, smaller accessories from star shapes, bows and other bejewelled trinkets are doing the rounds. Items that were once considered childish are gaining much hype and stars such as Alia Bhatt and Sonam Kapoor are making these pretty jewels the talk of the town. • Barrettes: They may be similar to the hair clips, but the bigger size helps maintain your tresses without any hair going astray. So when you want to pull your hair back quickly, use a wide tortoise barrette, available in all colours, patterns and sizes.
Domestic goddess 7
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 19, 2015
By Huba Akbar
Indulge yourself in this sweet and savory childhood favourite
For the base: • Butter (cold) 4 tbsp • Castor sugar 5 tbsp • Vanilla essence (few drops) • Egg yolk 1 • Flour 12 tbsp
For the filling: • Vanilla custard 1 tbsp • Corn flour 1 tbsp • Water 1/2 cup • Egg yolk 2 • Yellow food colour (few drops) • Sugar 1/2 cup • Lemon juice 2 tbsp • Butter 1 tbsp
For the base: • Beat the butter and sugar together until it forms a creamy paste. • Add in the egg yolk and vanilla essence and mix into the butter paste. • Rub in the flour to make the dough. Make sure not to mix it too much lest the base becomes chewy, rather than crispy. • Roll the dough out on a flat, lightly-floured surface and cut 15 rounds out of it, using a cookie cutter. Each round should be approximately three inches in diameter. • Line the rounds in a 2.5 inch muffin pan. • Bake the bases in an oven pre-heated to about 180oC. The baking time should be about 20 minutes or until the base becomes golden in colour. For the filling: • Prepare the filling by placing all the ingredients (except the butter and lemon juice) in a large sauce pan, whisking gently until the mixture comes together and thickens. • Add in the lemon juice and butter and mix. • Allow the mixture to cool before filling it in the baked cases. • Put a glazed cherry on top of the filling and place the tarts in the refrigerator for cooling. Your tangy lemon tarts are now ready! Serve chilled.
Who knew a fruit as sour as lemon could be so useful in concocting delicious sweet-dishes? Lemon tarts, lemon custard and even lemon cheesecake are some common deserts, made with the goodness of the fruit. Read on for yet another lemon desert recipe to add a little more yellow brightness to your day.
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Butter (unsalted and softened) 5 tbsp Sugar 3/4¾ cup All-purpose flour 1 cup Salt ¼1/4 tsp Baking soda 1/4¼ tsp Fresh lemon juice 3 tbsp Lemon zest (finely grated) 2 lemons Milk ¼1/4 cup Eggs (large) 2
• Preheat oven to about 180 o C. • Line a 9 by 5 inches loaf pan with butter, dust it with sugar and tap off the excess. • Whisk the flour, salt, baking soda, milk and one tablespoon of lemon juice together. • In a separate bowl, beat the butter and 3/4 cup of sugar together, using an electronic mixer. Keep beating the mixture until it becomes pale in colour and flurry in texture (this should take about two minutes). • Once the butter and sugar have been mixed, add in the eggs and lemon zest. • Mix the flour and milk mixtures together, one by one, into the butter and sugar mixture to prepare the batter. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake it for about 35 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean. • In the meantime, prepare the lemon glaze by stirring the remaining sugar and lemon juice together. Once the cake is cooked and retrieved from the oven, brush it with the lemon glaze immediately. • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before taking it out. • If you have any glaze left over, apply it as well and garnish the top with some lemon zest. Your homemade lemon pound cake is now ready. SOURCE: WWW.MARTHASTEWART.COM
Woman of the week 8
Sabiha Rita H assan
The sum of all my passions, Design19.
Interior designer With my family.
MsT reviews ‘Smart Parents Handbook for Early Parenthood,’ the latest Pakistani parenting guide By Arfa Ezazi | Design By Maryam Rashid
With advice advice, suggestions and desi totkay raining down on new parents left, right and center, it is not surprising that th most of them feel overwhelmed and books for answers. Considering turn to parenting paren would expect that there would already this, one wo be plenty on the bookshelves for them to rely on. Unfortunately, most titles available on the Unfortu subject are hung up on just one aspect of the job or other, be it psychological (read: Children Are from Heaven), Heave medical or even religious, with little applicable knowledge or analytic insight. Smart Parents Handbook — For Early Parenthood Pa by Sarwat N Shah attempts to fill this gap in the market. W With topics ranging from giving azaan into a new born’s ears to child aggression, it appears that the handbook is comprehensive and t exhaustively exhaustiv covers all necessary topics. A proper reading, however, discloses that there is scarcely h any content conte that could be considered vital, or even new new. It comes across as little more than a compilation compilat of generic parenting approaches, gained from miscellaneous sources. In seeking fr to t be all-inclusive, the author (a writer, entrepreneur, lawyer and mother of
two) often ends up merely stating the obvious and overlooking the crucial, veering towards didactic preaching and making one doubt whether it was backed by proper research or not. Unfortunately, there is more that takes away from the handbook. The guide brims with so many basic spelling errors, one gets the impression it has not been edited at all! Unnecessary capitalisation and poor punctuation add to the downsides. On the flip side, the typeface allows for easy reading, although the fact that the whole of it is structured in bullet points minus the bullets screams laziness. More so, in trying to make the guide interactive, the designers appear to have gone so overboard that it reads more like a book for the kids themselves, rather than their parents. There are, however, some golden moments which are sure to give new parents some respite. The provision of technical knowledge is inarguably scanty, but a sparse smattering of home remedies and age-activity charts act as the saving grace. Some sections, such as those on children’s education, television time and coping with negative adolescent behavior are considerably constructive. The bullet-
points make for concise and easy reading while e the design, albeit childish, is colourful and attractive. ve. Conclusively, while it is indeed pleasing to see ee Pakistani authors exploring different genres and female authors in particular coming to the centerenterstage, Smart Parents Handbook does not exactly ctly strike as a product of extensive research or editing diting investment. Hopefully though, other books off the genre by other authors will bring something new to the market.