PGI Psychiatry Deptt. to Celebrates World Health Day

By 121 News

Chandigarh 05^th April:- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has decided that the theme of the World Health Day for the year 2017 is 'Depression: Let's Talk'. The World Health Day is being celebrated around the world on 7^th April 2017. 'Depression: Let's talk' encapsulates the twin importance of removing stigma and lack of knowledge regarding depression and also that talking and seeking help from peers, relatives and health care professionals can lead to the path of recovery.

The theme 'Depression: Let's Talk' is particularly relevant given the immense public health importance of Depression. Depression can occur to anybody and causes mental anguish to the sufferer. It also prevents the sufferer from carrying out his day to day activities. In extreme cases, it can also lead to suicide. As per WHO data, 300 million people all over the world today are living with Depression. Depression is also the leading cause of disability and ill health worldwide. Lack of support, awareness and stigma prevent many people from seeking treatment that they need to lead healthy, productive lives.

In India, the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS-3) was carried out in 12 states during 2015-16 and covered 10152 households and 34802 individuals. It was found that 10.6% individuals above the age of 18 years are currently suffering from mental illnesses and lifetime prevalence of mental disorders is 13.7%. Prevalence of mental disorders is 2-3 times higher in urban metros.

Current and lifetime prevalence of depression is 2.7% and 5.2% respectively. In other words, it means that 1 in 20 people suffer from depression in India. Depression was reported to be higher in females, in the age-group of 40-49 years, those living in urban metros and among elderly. 67-70% of people with major depressive disorder experience disability in work, family and social life.

As per census of 2011, population of Chandigarh is 10.55 lakhs of which 97.25% lives in urban areas and rest 2.75% in rural areas. If we assume that Chandigarh has the same prevalence of mental disorders as per the national data, there are nearly 28000 people suffering from depression currently in the city, and nearly 54000 have suffered from depression at least once in their lifetime.

Treatment gap for depression 85.2%, i.e. nearly 85% of the people suffering from depression do not get treatment. Important factors that contribute to this gap are stigma, lack of awareness and affordability of treatment.

The experience of the Department of Psychiatry also underscores the importance of recognizing and treating Depression. The number of patients approaching the Department of Psychiatry PGIMER for treatment has been steadily increasing over the years. Currently the number of patients of either gender or all ages is above 13000 per year. Of these patients, about 30% are diagnosed to be suffering from mood disorders among which Depression is the most common diagnosis. In addition to the above, another 30% of the patients seen in the department are diagnosed as suffering from anxiety disorders in which Depression or depressive symptoms are often prominent. The Department of Psychiatry also has a community psychiatry program in the rural areas of Haryana and Punjab and the diagnostic break up of patients approaching this service is also broadly similar as described above. Depression has also been found to be common in patients approaching the Drug Deaddiction and Treatment Centre of the Department of Psychiatry PGIMER. Studies done in PGIMER also show that Depression is very common in patients suffering from other chronic physical illnesses.  

The Department of Psychiatry has been at the forefront in providing treatment to patients with Depression. In addition to medications and psychotherapy, the Department has also recently added repetitive transcranial magnetic brain stimulation therapy in its armamentarium. However we realize that treatment is not enough, we also have a responsibility to spread awareness about the early detection and treatment of Depression.

Therefore, the Department of Psychiatry and National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE) with the Indian Public Health Association are taking the opportunity of the World Health Day on 7^th April 2017 to contribute to this cause of raising awareness about Depression. The events being organized are as under:-

1.      A walk for awareness on Depression will be organized. This walk will start at 6.30 AM and end at 7.30 AM on 7^th April 2017 from Sukhna Lake to Rock Garden and back. The faculty and staff including the Director of the PGIMER and NINE along with members of the general public will take part in this event.

2.      Event for Depression awareness at the NINE auditorium PGIMER Chandigarh starting 10 A. Mon 7^th April 2017 (Friday). This will feature a keynote address on Depression by Prof Ajit Avasthi (Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry PGIMER Chandigarh) and a panel discussion on Depression by various stake holders (10.15 A.M and 11.15 AM respectively).