Question : Mental Disorder

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the number of patients suffering from common mental disorder has increased in the country during each of the last three years and the current year and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether the Government has conducted any study to ascertain the cause of increase of patients suffering from such disease in the country and if so, the details and the outcome thereof;

(c) the number of Centres of Excellence in the field of mental health that have opened in the country during the said period, State/UT-wise;

(d) whether the Government has provided adequate funds for establishment of such centres across the country and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise; and

(e) the other steps being taken by the Government to create awareness and keep a check on rise of such patients and ensure adequate medical facilities in the country?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)
(a) & (b): As per the National Mental Health Survey conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore in 12 States of the country, the prevalence of mental disorders including common mental disorders, severe mental disorders, and alcohol and substance use disorders (excluding tobacco use disorder) in adults over the age of 18 years is about 10.6%. The major findings of the survey are as under:
• The prevalence of mental morbidity is high in urban metropolitan areas.
• Mental disorders are closely linked to both causation and consequences of several non-communicable disorders (NCD).
• Nearly 1 in 40 and 1 in 20 persons suffer from past and current depression, respectively.
• Neurosis and stress related disorders affect 3.5% of the population and was reported to be higher among females (nearly twice as much in males).
• Data indicate that 0.9 % of the survey population were at high risk of suicide.
• Nearly 50% of persons with major depressive disorders reported difficulties in carrying out their daily activities.


The State/UT-wise information regarding the number of people suffering from common mental disorders in the country is not maintained centrally.

(c) & (d): With a view to increase the number of qualified mental health professionals in the country, the Government, under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), is implementing manpower development schemes for establishment of Centres of Excellence and strengthening/ establishment of Post Graduate (PG) Departments in mental health specialties. Till date, financial support has been provided for establishment of 25 Centres of Excellence and strengthening/ establishment of 47 Post Graduate (PG) Departments in mental health specialties in the country. The State/UT-wise list of Institutions supported for establishment as Centres of Excellence during the last three years is annexed.

(e): To address the burden of mental disorders, the Government of India is supporting implementation of the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) under NMHP in 517 districts of the country for detection, management and treatment of mental disorders/illness with the major components of counselling in schools and colleges, work place stress management, life skills training, suicide prevention services and IEC activities for generation of awareness and removal of stigma associated with Mental Illness.