Mental health problems on the rise

  • Five per cent of total population suffering due to mental problems

Kathmandu, April 10

Mental health problems are increasing in the country with 2 per cent of the country’s total population suffering from mental diseases while 5 per cent of the population suffers due to  mental problems.

According to a report presented by District Health Office on the occasion of World Health day, around 20 to 30 per cent of patients who visit the Out Patient Department for service have some problem or the other related to mental health.

It is said that nearly 10 per cent of people have neurosis. In every community, 6 to 7 per cent female and 3 to 5 per cent male were seen to be suffering from neurosis.

Likewise, 2 per cent of the people have psychosis, 6 per cent are patients of depression, 3 per cent have Down syndrome, 3 to 5 percent of mental problems are caused by drug use, 1 per cent has epilepsy, and 2 per cent have other kinds of mental problems.

Various factors lead to depression. It can be hereditary, or dysfunctional norepinephrine (a hormone), lack of seratonin of the brain, mental tensions such as death of relatives or a beloved, economic crisis, unemployment and lack of success, low self esteem.

The incidence of mental health problems increased after the earthquake.