Mental health
disorders� such as depression, anxiety,
addiction, schizophrenia
and neurosis � have a
serious impact on the health situation in Bangladesh
State of mental health in Bangladesh
The World Mental Health Day was observed in Bangladesh as well on Saturday. It was an occasion to look at mental health related issues in this country. In this connection it comes to mind that a recent review led by ICDDRB found that mental disorders in Bangladesh are a serious but overlooked problem. Better data, awareness and more mental health practitioners are needed to address the unmet needs for mental health care.
Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, addiction, schizophrenia and neurosis have a serious impact on the health situation in Bangladesh. The ICDDRB investigators examined the current prevalence and trends in the rates of mental health disorders in Bangladesh in order to fill the knowledge gap and to point the way towards addressing the burden associated with these conditions.
They collected and evaluated literature on prevalence of mental disorders and service delivery and treatment options in Bangladesh. The review found that the overall prevalence of mental disorders in Bangladesh is between 6.5 to 31% among adults, with psychiatric and psychogenic disorders such as depression, anxiety and neurosis most commonly reported. The prevalence of mental disorders was much higher in overcrowded urban communities than rural ones, and among the poor. Women were vulnerable across all settings, consistent with findings from other South Asian countries like India and Pakistan.
The authors found that data on mental disorders among children are scarce, but prevalence is estimated to be between 13.4 to 22.9%. Behavioural disorders were common among socially disadvantaged children, such as those living in urban slums. The evidences suggest that psychiatric disorders among children are also associated with malnutrition, low education of parents and a family history of mental illness.
However, due to the strong social stigma attached to mental disorders in Bangladesh, the authors cautioned that prevalence in both children and adults is likely to be disguised or underestimated. The investigators found a major shortage of qualified mental health practitioners in Bangladesh for both adults and children, and few referrals to specialists.
At the same time, lack of knowledge, superstitious beliefs and social stigma prevent individuals with mental health conditions from seeking care. Beliefs that mental disorders are untreatable or the result of evil influences also play a role. Women are both more vulnerable to experiencing mental disorders and less able to access treatment due to their lower social status.
The investigators stressed the need for more research to better understand the magnitude of the problem in Bangladesh, better access for patients to qualified mental health professionals and mass awareness raising campaigns to reduce misconceptions and stigma about mental health conditions.
