In our country,
depression isn’t given much of the importance in the public health system as it has infectious diseases such as
tuberculosis and
dengue as well as non-communicable diseases such as
diabetes and
hypertension.
However, if a survey by the
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in
Bengaluru is to be believed, every 20 Indians suffered from some form of depression. The prevalence of depression across the world has increased to such an extent that it's the theme for the
World Health Organisation's World Health Day on April 7.
According to
NIMHANS director Dr B N Gangadhar, the increase in prescriptions could also be an indication of the increasing number of psychiatrists in India.
"There is no doubt that people are more open than before to seek help for depression, but a 14% rise in prescriptions could also mean there are more psychiatrists today than before," Dr Gangadhar told ET.
