Dr. Adamu Babaji, a renowned neuropsychiatric expert based in Bauchi, has underscored the critical role of pregnancy complications, prolonged labor, and inadequate antenatal care in the development of mental health issues in women.

In addition to these factors, he pointed out that various psycho-social factors, such as societal pressure, gender-based violence, and economic instability, also play a significant role in the high prevalence of mental disorders among women.

Dr. Babaji emphasized the urgent need to address these underlying factors in order to effectively mitigate the risk of mental health issues and promote overall well-being among women.

By acknowledging and tackling these contributors to mental health issues, we can work towards creating a healthier and more supportive environment for women to thrive.

“We have our clinic days three times a week and during these days we always register 15 new clients.

“About 80 women are always on admission, but they were discharged in two weeks. This depression is related to moods either being over-sad or over-happy.

“Women should be encouraged to attend antenatal clinics and be supported throughout their pregnancy day and after delivery by spouses and families.

“Delayed or prolonged labour and malnutrition are causes of psychiatric problems in women which is a post perturm depression,” he pointed out.

According to Dr. Babaji, severe malnutrition can harm a child’s mental development, potentially leading to intellectual disability in children under five.

Additionally, he identified other health issues that can contribute to intellectual disability, including pneumonia, malaria, urinary tract infections, and convulsions, which can impact a child’s cognitive development during the critical period from birth to age five.

“Whenever the child convulses, it affects the brain thereby developing problems,” he stated.