Online feedback

Below is feedback from online readers of jamaica-gleaner.com on yesterday's story 'Going mental'.

Change in parenting styles needed

I would agree with this. I have lived in the US for nearly 30 years and, as I interact with Americans, I have come to the same conclusion: personality disorders are rampant in the society. Mental illness is so rampant that we have come to accept that that's just how people are.

As an early-childhood educator and development specialist, I feel that parenting and child-rearing strategies are at the root of these disorders. Yes, they can be treated during adolescence and adulthood, and treatment can be effective, but changes in parenting styles would make a world of difference.

- Paulaphilips

This is very interesting. I've not read this study, nor do I know who commissioned it. It would be interesting to know, from the research, the demographic/gender groups more prone towards this personality disorder.

Also, if this is true, to what extent are these disorders the reflections/effects of deep-seated, unaddressed, socio-historical legacies that have wreaked havoc on the foundation of the Jamaica family?

To what extent does this prevalence reflect the fathers missing in action in the household - and to what extent it reflects a misconception of the responsibilities towards family building and community?

- John Wayne

Exploitation of people

I agree with some aspects of this study, but I believe the professor has left out one crucial part of this study - exploitation of people. When society sees people it thinks are uneducated and tries to exploit them, those exploiters are also mentally ill.

- noshel

Behavioural problems

Clearly, this has to be addressed. Look at the behavioural problems of some teens in schools.

We have to look at the home, the environment, where persons are raised and live, as well as the food, alcohol, ganja and cigs to which many persons are addicted.

I hope Professor Frederick Hickling and clinical psychologist Vanessa Paisley continue to press for more public discussion.

Personality disorder is even evident among those in authority; for example the security forces and politicians.

- THEDKJ