Haider Naqvi, Rafay Iqbal.
Prevalence of Mental disorders in Pakistan: A need for integrating management in primary care
Med Today Dec 2003;1(4):107-11.
The Aga Khan University, Karachi

Mental disorders are common illnesses and have been diagnosed in a third of primary care attenders in Asian countries. There is limited reliable data on prevalence of mental disorders in Pakistan. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified five common neuro-psychiatric conditions. These include depressive disorders, psychosis, drug addiction, mental retardation and epilepsy. The available studies have shown not only high prevalence of these illnesses in Pakistan but also their poor recognition and management. The WHO has given recommendations for identification and integration of these disorders in primary health care. In the scenario of low awareness and low resources in Pakistan, intersectorial and interdisciplinary collaboration is needed between psychiatrists and primary care physicians. Further research is needed to obtain epidemiological data regarding causes and consequences of mental disorders. This in turn may bring about changes in attitudes of masses in general and decision makers in the Government in particular.

Category: Psychiatry
Keywords: Mental Health. Primary Health Care.

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