Narcotics have irreversible effect on the mentally ill

Washington, Feb 6 (ANI): A new study has found that drugs can have an adverse impact on the brains of people suffering from mental illness.

According to Dr. Stephane Potvin of the Universite de Montreal affiliated Centre de recherche Fernand-Seguin at the Louis-H Lafontaine Hospital, nearly 33 to 50 percent of psychiatric patients also suffer from drug addiction.

The drug consumption leads to deterioration of cerebral structures.

"They become dependant more quickly and they tend to abuse drugs more easily. It is evident that drug use can worsen the symptoms of mental disease," said Potvin.

"The odds that a mental disorder manifests itself in an individual can increase if he or she consumes drugs," he added.

The study also showed that people suffering from mental illness, specifically schizophrenia, are more sensitive to the effects of drugs.

The findings were presented at the conference at the Louis-H Lafontaine Hospital this week. (ANI)