Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
The recent tragedy in Princes Town, where Mala Boodram was allegedly beaten to death by a mentally ill relative, underscores the critical need for families to recognise warning signs that may precede violence in individuals suffering from mental illness.
So said former independent senator and psychiatrist Dr Varma Deyalsingh.
Speaking to Guardian Media, Dr Deyalsingh said understanding these trigger factors could be the difference between life and death. Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, Dr Deyalsingh said relatives needed to be aware of the danger signals that their loved ones may exhibit.
These can include pacing, shouting, loss of sleep, sudden anger, and verbalising or directing hate towards a specific person. “When these signs appear, it’s vital to inform the clinic and get a mental health officer involved immediately,” he noted.
“This incident is particularly heartbreaking because the violence was directed at the one person who provided unconditional love. Unfortunately, this is something that psychiatrists and parents of mentally ill children dread—when someone with a mental disorder acts out violently against those closest to them.”
One of the significant challenges, according to Deyalsingh, is that some individuals with mental illness are unable to recognise their condition.
“They have a brain defect and disorder that prevents them from realising they are ill. Some may also resist medication because of side effects like drowsiness and numbness, even though there are now better medications available for conditions like schizophrenia,” he said.
He pointed out that while some patients are in denial about their illness, they could develop paranoid delusions that can make them dangerous to themselves and others.
“We try to establish a therapeutic bond with the patient, their relatives, and doctors to ensure that they continue their medication. However, it’s not uncommon for patients to stop taking their medicine, which increases the risk of violent outbursts,” he explained.
Praising the Government’s efforts in providing long-acting injectables, which are antipsychotic medications that can remain effective in the body for up to six months, Dr Deyalsingh said, “These medications are crucial, especially for patients prone to discontinuing their oral medications. We need to make them more accessible to ensure consistent treatment.”
He also highlighted the severe staff shortages in mental health services, which can impede timely interventions. Dr Deyalsingh also suggested that in some cases, families might need to pursue a court order to have their loved ones involuntarily committed to a facility like St Ann’s.
“Sometimes, a magistrate can order that a person be brought to a mental health facility, but we need a more systematic approach where input from social workers, doctors, relatives, and even the public can help in obtaining these orders,” he added.
Deyalsingh stressed the importance of educating families about the signs of mental illness and the steps they can take to prevent violence. He also emphasised the need for well-staffed institutions and the availability of police and ambulance services to defuse violent situations when they arise.
“We must understand that not all individuals with mental illness are violent. Statistics show that mentally ill patients are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. But we need to be vigilant for those with paranoid delusions who may act out. Relatives must reach out for help,” he added.
Boodram, 57, was killed around noon on Monday when she went to inquire about a disconnected internet supply at her Cleghorn Village, Princes Town home. A 31-year-old man is now in police custody.
