Increased cases of mental disorders among youth in Nyamira County have been blamed on high drug use.
Nyamira Mental Health Coordinator George Bagaka said more teenagers were indulging in alcoholism and drugs as a way to relieve stress.
While speaking on Wednesday in his office in Nyamira Hospital, he called on the residents to respect mentally challenged people.
He said they have been receiving more than 200 patients monthly which is slightly an increase from 120 cases in the past three months.
Mr Bagaka who is also a nursing officer at the Nyamira Referral Hospital cited cerebral malaria and HIV/Aids as other causes of mental problems affecting the youth.
He said those who are mentally challenged can be treated and managed if they seek treatment early and called on parents to take responsibility instead of neglecting them.
He said the department has been creating awareness about the challenges they undergo and how they can get help from medical doctors.