A heartbreaking incident in Muizenberg recently drew national attention when an elderly woman’s body was discovered in her home, where she had lived with her daughter suffering from schizophrenia. Psychiatrist Dr Melané van Zyl, a member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP), offers expert insight into how untreated mental illness and discontinued medication can lead to a tragic loss of reality — and why ongoing mental health awareness and support are vital.
A quiet street shaken by tragedy
Residents of Scarboro Road in Muizenberg were left in shock after discovering the remains of a 90-year-old woman inside her home. Her daughter, reportedly diagnosed with schizophrenia, had stopped taking her prescribed medication and continued to believe her mother was still alive.
What began as concern over a missing neighbour turned into a grim discovery that left the community heartbroken — and raised important questions about mental health care and access to treatment.
You can read the full story as reported by Weekend Argus here:
🔗 Mystery of the missing elderly woman uncovered as neighbours make gruesome discovery
Why stopping psychiatric medication can lead to a loss of reality
According to Dr Melané van Zyl, when someone with a severe mental illness stops taking their medication, it can quickly lead to a loss of connection with reality.
“This happens for two main reasons,” explains Dr van Zyl. “Firstly, the symptoms of the original illness can return. For example, when a patient stops taking an antipsychotic medication, they may once again start experiencing hallucinations or delusions, and lose their sense of time and place.”
“Secondly, these medications work directly on the central nervous system. Stopping them suddenly can cause confusion, delirium, or even physical withdrawal symptoms and convulsions. Together, these effects can make a person completely disoriented and detached from what is real.”
The risk of relapse is high
Dr van Zyl stresses that the likelihood of relapse depends on the severity of the condition and the person’s medical history.
“The more severe the mental illness, the higher the risk of relapse,” she says. “For patients with schizophrenia, around 80% will relapse within a year if their treatment is stopped.”
When symptoms return, individuals may experience hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and other signs of psychosis — making it extremely difficult for them to care for themselves or others safely.
Recognising the warning signs
Dr van Zyl encourages families and communities to be aware of early warning signs that someone may be struggling.
“A person may start wandering at odd hours, talking to themselves, or behaving in ways that seem out of touch with reality,” she explains. “They might become suspicious, paranoid, or begin to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. These behaviours are not deliberate — they’re signs of a serious mental health relapse.”
Reducing stigma and building awareness
As October marks Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr van Zyl reminds us that mental illness is far more common than most people realise.
“Statistically, in a family of four, one person will develop a mental illness in their lifetime,” she says. “That means almost every family will be affected at some point. The best way to reduce stigma is through awareness and compassion — helping people get the treatment and support they need.”
About Dr Melané van Zyl
Dr Melané van Zyl is a psychiatrist and member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP). She is committed to raising awareness about mental health and providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals living with psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression.