- We spoke to three psychologists
Mental health crisis is on the rise. According to official data, the total burden of mental health diseases has nearly doubled in the past 28 years. A Lancet Psychiatry report suggests that 14.3 per cent of India’s population is suffering from some form of mental health issue, out of which depression is the most common of all. State-wise, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Goa have the highest prevalence of depression.
While the dialogue about mental health crisis has started, a lot needs to be done yet. We spoke to three psychologists/psychiatrists to know more details
- Drug abuse
Dr. Preeti Singh, Senior Consultant, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Paras Hospitals
Drug abuse, borderline personality and marital issues were most common
This year was dominated by the cases of drug abuse, borderline personality and marital issues. There were 30-40 cases of weed (marijuana) in the age group of 16-34 years. People think that marijuana is harmless, it doesn’t do anything, but in the process they’re landing themselves into big time mess. They can’t handle their studies, home, and relationships.
Intake of weed releases neurochemicals in an uncontrolled way. Neurochemicals are used by the professionals to treat depression in the patient, that is the same chemical that is released while doing weed but, in an uncontrolled manner, which thus leads to mood disorders, psychosis, obsessions. These problems we see in a lot of patients. Intake of weed releases neurochemicals in an uncontrolled way. Neurochemicals are used by the professionals to treat depression in the patient, that is the same chemical that is released while doing weed but, in an uncontrolled manner, which thus leads to mood disorders and psychosis, obsessions.
- Borderline personality
Another case we had dealt with is borderline personality. Under this condition, a lot of young people and teenagers become extremely sensitive and they tend to self harm. They tend to commit suicide by cutting their wrists, thighs when they are upset and can’t find a solution to their problems. So, these people are very anxious, they have difficulty in relationships, studying etc. A lot of time they have a background of disturbed family, which have become a major reason for these kinds of traits. They suffer from suicidal ideation, mood issues and become impulsive too.
Another thing which we have found is marital issues. Extramarital relationships have become very common. Patients come with depressive and anxious symptoms but when you start digging down then you get to know that there is something else that is going on. So, this is something very common which is happening these days which we see a lot in our clinic. Psychosexual disorders are also very common. Psychosexual problem is the loss of desire to have a relationship, premature ejaculation. Age group from 25- 38 are mostly suffering from it.
- Psychosexual disorders
Dr. Shweta Sharma, Consultant Psychology and Counseling, Columbia Asia Hospital, Gurgaon
LGBTQ, Geriatric patients and psychosexual cases
Cases of LGBTQ were prominent in the year 2019. We have also got cases of the parents, who couldn’t handle the situation when their children told them about their LGBTQ identity, Nearly, 40 percent cases were of LGBTQ. On seeing the rise in the cases of LGBTQ, we also did a camp.
Another rise in cases which we have seen is of Geriatric patients. People of the age group of 35-40 have become more aware of the mental health of their parents and have come to us for consultation.
Psychosexual cases were also there, but the unique thing is that women are more expressive about the same. In some cases, they have also asked their better halves to talk about it to improve their relationship.
- Spectrum disorders
Dr. Aparna Ramakrishnan (Consultant, Psychiatry) from Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Spectrum disorders
We are moving into a ‘Spectrum’ approach to Psychiatric disorders. Several dissimilar Psychiatric diagnoses having common factors, with variations in frequency, intensity of symptoms are being included under the same umbrella. Some examples are Schizophrenia spectrum disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum disorders, Autism Spectrum disorders.
New inclusions
Several new diagnoses have been included in our classification system (DSM 5 – which is our diagnostic manual) – Binge eating disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric disorder, Skin Picking disorder, Hoarding disorder ( both included in OC spectrum disorders). Internet Gaming disorder has also been included in DSM5 as an area requiring further research before formally being termed as a diagnosis.