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HYDERABAD: Of all medical specialisations, psychiatry is probably the only one where most people do not turn up after making an appointment. City-based psychiatrists say that if 15 people take an appointment, only two or three turn up by the end of the day; rest of them drop out. The main reason for this, they say is the stigma attached to mental health problems.
There is a particular perception attached to psychiatrists and a constant worry among patients that others might get to know if one visits a professional for help which makes them reluctant to turn up for appointments, say experts. The specialists urged people not to attach stigma to any of mental illnesses or conditions, and not to hesitate to consult psychiatrists.
They said that out of 100 patients that they attend, 80 per cent of them approach for treatment of anxiety, stress and phobias. Those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder constitute 10 to 15 per cent of patients.
Only around five per cent of people who approach the specialists take the initiative to meet a psychiatrist, while others are referred either by doctors of other specialisation or friends and family.
“Early treatment leads to better prognosis as the time one has to be on medication comes down,” said Dr M Hrishikesh , Child and Adolescent psychiatrist.
General secretary of Indian Psychiatric Society-South Zone branch, Dr Naresh Vadlamani said that some people take many years to consult a psychiatrist.
“For instance, there are patients who have been under treatment for more than 10-years for Delusion of Infidelity. Usually it is observed in alcoholics.”
“When family members bring them to address alcoholism, we get to know that they also have this disorder,” said Dr Naresh Vadlamani.
They said that since the mental health illnesses are not life threatening, some people depend on internet for answers and rely on treating themselves without medication, which is not suggested.
