Indian Journal of Mental Health and Neurosciences
Indian Journal of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IJMHNS) aims to promote and publish research related to mental health and associated neuro-science subjects from across the world. The Journal will be published biannually – in January and in July. The journal encourages clinical and translational research, with the focus on ameliorating the mental illness burden in the community and ensuring evidence based care.
Indian Psychiatric Society - Tamil Nadu Chapter
An ambispective study on the determinants of treatmentoutcome and follow-up of patients with alcohol dependencesyndrome in a Tertiary Care Center in Tamil Nadu
Background: Alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) is a major public health challenge in India, characterized by high relapse rates and poor long-term outcomes. Understanding multifactorial determinants, including personality traits, psychosocial stressors, and clinical factors, can help in improving treatment strategies to get better outcomes. Aim: To assess determinants of treatment outcome and follow-up compliance among inpatients with ADS at a tertiary care center in Tamil Nadu. Methods: 116 patients diagnosed with ADS were studied over 9 months (October 2024–June 2025).Retrospective and prospective data, including sociodemographic and clinical factors, personality traits,stressful life events, and treatment adherence, were analyzed using statistical tools. Results: Relapse rate was high (approximately 95%). Significant predictors of relapse included craving (p < 0.001), poor treatment compliance (p = 0.028), high severity of dependence (SADQ) (p < 0.001), married status (p = 0.040), and positive family history (p = 0.011). Personality traits showed no significant association with relapse except “Liveliness” correlating with stressful life events (p = 0.020). Disulfiram therapy showed better abstinence rates compared to other pharmacotherapies. Conclusion: Treatment compliance, craving, family history, and psychosocial stressors are critical factors in relapse among ADS patients. Multifaceted intervention models that address these variables are essential for improving long-term outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ragaramya PA, Jagadeesan M S https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Watershed Moment in Tamil Nadu’s Mental Health Landscape.
Copyright (c) 2026 Arul Saravanan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mental Health Crisis in Indian Nursing Students: Need for Institutional Support
Nursing students in India are confronting an escalating mental health crisis that remains critically underaddressed within the country's nursing education system. Converging pressures — including a densely examination-intensive curriculum, emotionally demanding clinical environments, digital overexposure, and deeply entrenched cultural stigma around psychological help-seeking — have produced measurable and sustained deterioration in the well-being of this population. Epidemiological evidence from the past five years indicates that clinically significant anxiety and depressive symptoms affect between 40% and 51% of undergraduate nursing students in India, while burnout has been documented in over 60% of students during peak clinical training years. The COVID-19 pandemic further amplified these vulnerabilities, and the post-pandemic period has introduced a reconfigured but equally severe set of stressors. This viewpoint article argues that the mental health crisis among Indian nursing students is structurally produced — rooted in regulatory inaction, absent institutional counseling infrastructure, inadequately trained faculty, and the absence of mental health literacy within the nursing curriculum. Through a socioecological analytical lens, the article identifies key institutional gaps and advances seven evidence-informed, implementable recommendations for nursing education institutions, the Indian Nursing Council, and health policymakers. Protecting the psychological well-being of nursing students is not a peripheral concern; it is a prerequisite for producing competent, compassionate, and sustainable nursing care.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dhiraj lakshakar sourav https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Smartphone addiction among medical students: A silent behavioral epidemic
Copyright (c) 2026 Marcel J https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Progress, Challenges, and Emerging Risks in Mental Health: The Good, bad and the ugly
Background: Historically, psychotherapy training in India was largely restricted to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychoanalytic models, often sidelined by pharmacological interventions due to time constraints and limited specialized personnel. However, the last two decades have seen a paradigm shift characterized by increased patient awareness, a diversification of therapeutic modalities, and the emergence of structured interventions for complex conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Objectives: This paper aims to reflect on the evolving journey of psychotherapy in India, specifically examining the practical application, challenges, and clinical utility of Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Methods: The authors utilize a reflective, practice-based narrative drawing from their clinical experience as psychiatrists trained in both Indian and international settings. Case vignettes are employed to illustrate the cultural adaptations and systemic barriers encountered while delivering structured therapies in the Indian context. Results: The transition to specialized therapies reveals unique socio-cultural challenges: systemic barriers like the dual role of the psychiatrist as both a prescriber and therapist necessitating clear boundary setting; cultural dynamics: collectivistic family structure challenging autonomy and confidentiality; implementation hurdles: scarcity of trained supervisors, high training cost, lack of a centralised database particularly outside urban centres. Conclusion: While psychotherapy in India has gained significant momentum and acceptance, there is a pressing need for standardized training, peer supervision networks, and culturally sensitive adaptations of Western models. The shift from symptom management to addressing underlying psychological distress through MBT and DBT represents a vital maturation of Indian psychiatric practice.
A study of the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation and psychiatric morbidity among undergraduate medical students in Tamil Nadu, India
Background: Understanding the risk factors for psychiatric morbidity and suicidal ideation among medical undergraduates is gaining importance given the increasing trend in suicides among this population. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety among medical undergraduates and to compare their socio-demographic, familial, and behavioral characteristics to identify potential risk factors. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional online survey among 500 consenting medical undergraduates in Tamil Nadu, South India. Ethical approval was obtained. We used a semi-structured proforma to obtain the sociodemographic, family relationships, and lifestyle information of our participants. The beck depression inventory and the hospital anxiety depression scale were used to quantify depression and anxiety among our students. We performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses and computer-based predictive modelling using Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis on our data. Results: We found a prevalence of 20.2% for suicidal ideation, 35.8% for depression, and 53% for anxiety among our students. Significantly increased odds of having suicidal ideation were observed among students who were from disharmonious families (odds ratio [OR] = 10.80; CI: 9.30–30.15; p = 0.008), had poor satisfaction with maternal love (OR = 2.21; CI: 0.79–3.34; p = 0.03), frequently visited shopping malls (p = 0.05; OR = 5.71; CI: 0.88–17.12) and never exercised (OR = 1.95, CI: 0.81–2.74; p = 0.03). Significantly lower odds of suicidal ideation were observed among students who consumed food with friends in restaurants on weekends (OR = 0.08; CI: 0.01– 0.045; p = 0.005). We observed lower odds of anxiety and depression among students who visited religious places (OR = 0.49; CI: 0.04–3.13; p = 0.05) and places of sightseeing (OR = 0.45; CI: 0.07–2.94; p = 0.05), respectively. Among students who reported difficulty in decision-making, CART analysis predicted 36.1% of suicidal ideation, 74.6% of depression, and 80.5% of anxiety. Increased fatiguability, feelings of unattractiveness, and feelings of being punished predicted depression among 49.2% of our students. Ideas of guilt and blaming oneself predicted anxiety among 66.5 and 68.4% of our students, respectively. Conclusions:One-fifthofmedicalgraduatesreportedsuicidalideation,one-thirdexperienceddepression,andhalf had anxiety, with risk factors including poor relationships with family and classmates, female gender, academic stress, substance use, and lack of exercise. CART analysis identified depression as the strongest predictor of anxiety and suicidal ideation, with decision-making difficulties and fatigue being significant contributors. CART has demonstrated high accuracy, highlighting its value in clinical research.
Impact of cannabis use in patients with schizophrenia- a cross sectional comparative study
Background: Cannabis has become one of the key substances attracting increasing attention in recent times, particularly for its association with psychotic disorders. Neurological soft signs (NSS) are subtle motor and sensory integration abnormalities observed in schizophrenia, reflecting underlying neurodevelopmental dysfunction. Cannabis use is increasingly prevalent in schizophrenia and may influence the clinical and neurobiological phenotype, including NSS. Aim: To compare NSS and psychopathology in schizophrenia patients with and without cannabis use. Materials and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 male patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (DSM-5 criteria), divided equally into two groups: those with (n = 30) and without (n = 30) cannabis use. Cannabis use of more than 2 years’ duration was confirmed using the Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test–Revised (CUDIT-R) and the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS). The Neurological Evaluation Scale (NES), Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) were administered. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26.0. Results: Cannabis users showed significantly lower scores in the NES domain “sequencing of complex motor acts” (p = 0.042), suggesting better motor coordination. No significant differences were observed in total NSS or other subdomains. Cannabis users had significantly higher SAPS (p = 0.036) and BPRS scores (p = 0.014) and lower SANS scores (p = 0.010), indicating greater positive symptoms, overall psychopathology, and lesser negative symptoms. Among users, the mean CUDIT-R score was 6.26 ± 7.32, and the SDS score was 3.16 ± 3.52. Half of the users initiated cannabis between ages 16 and 20, and 43.4% used it weekly. Conclusion: Schizophrenia patients with cannabis use exhibited milder deficits in certain NSS domains and a higher positive symptom burden. These findings suggest a distinct clinical profile and possible neurodevelopmental variation, underlining the importance of screening for cannabis use.
Evolving legal standards in Tamil Nadu’s healthcare, data protection, and public safety
Copyright (c) 2026 C. Sadhanand https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Female Dhat syndrome as a hidden psychiatric entity in premarital women - a case report
Dhat syndrome is a culturally mediated disorder that is traditionally defined in men as distress brought on by a lack of semen. Vaginal discharge-related female variations are still underdiagnosed and often mistreated. We describe a 27-year-old single woman who had been experiencing vaginal discharge for 18 months, along with exhaustion, depression, and concerns about her ability to conceive and have sex. She continued to believe that she had lost vital fluids despite numerous gynecological consultations and normal results. An assessment of mental health revealed a significant somatic preoccupation and depressed affect. ICD-11 was used to conceptualize the presentation as a comorbid depressive episode and bodily distress disorder. Over the course of 8–10 weeks, she significantly improved after receiving culturally sensitive cognitive-behavioral therapy and 20 mg of fluoxetine daily. This case highlights the importance of recognizing female Dhat syndrome to prevent unnecessary medicalization and improve psychosexual outcomes.
Female Dhat syndrome, Vaginal discharge, Culture-bound syndrome, Somatic symptoms, Depression
Copyright (c) 2026 Megha C N, Keerthi V, Kiran Kumar K. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Mental health awareness creation in rural communities of Tamil Nadu: The SCARF experience
Background: India faces a substantial mental health treatment gap, with national estimates indicating that 70–90% of individuals with mental disorders do not receive adequate care. Contributing factors include stigma, low awareness, cultural beliefs, and limited access to mental health professionals, particularly in rural areas. Delayed or absent help-seeking remains a major concern. Objective: To describe community-based mental health awareness strategies implemented in rural Tamil Nadu and examine their role in reducing stigma and improving help-seeking behavior. Methods: The Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), Chennai, implemented a multi-pronged awareness program under the STEP initiative in Pudukkottai district. Activities targeted diverse groups, including the general public, students, women’s self-help groups (SHGs), and frontline workers. Interventions included rallies, street plays, mobile telepsychiatry outreach, signature campaigns, SHG engagement, Anganwadi worker training, school and college programs, and local television advertisements. These approaches aimed to disseminate information, address myths, and promote service utilization. Results: The use of culturally appropriate, community-based strategies enabled broad outreach and engagement. Public campaigns increased visibility, while interactive formats such as street plays and discussions improved understanding. SHGs and Anganwadi workers facilitated sustained engagement, early identification, and referrals. Youth-focused programs encouraged early awareness, and television advertisements expanded reach. Integration with mobile telepsychiatry improved access to services in remote areas. Conclusion: Community-based mental health awareness initiatives are essential for addressing stigma and improving care pathways in rural settings. A combination of mass outreach and targeted interventions, supported by accessible services, can effectively reduce treatment gaps. Such models may be applicable in other low-resource settings.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vijaya Raghavan, A. Kulandesu, S. Karthick, S. Senthilkumar, T. Gunaselvi, Kotteswara Rao, R Thara https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Acute Marchiafava–Bignami disease with plexiform neuroﬁbroma: a case report
Background: Marchiafava–Bignami disease (MBD) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by demyelination and necrosis of the corpus callosum. It is most commonly associated with chronic alcohol use and nutritional deficiency. Clinical manifestations are variable and may include seizures, altered sensorium, gait disturbance, and speech impairment. Early recognition is often difficult due to the nonspecific nature of presenting symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a crucial role in establishing the diagnosis. Plexiform neurofibroma, a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor typically associated with neurofibromatosis type 1, is rarely encountered alongside unrelated neurological conditions. Case description: We report the case of a 37-year-old man with a long history of alcohol dependence who presented with acute confusion, seizures, slurred speech, and gait instability following heavy alcohol intake. MRI of the brain demonstrated symmetrical signal abnormalities involving the corpus callosum consistent with MBD. Physical examination also revealed a long-standing cervical plexiform neurofibroma. Management and outcome: The patient was treated with high-dose intravenous thiamine along with supportive measures and anticonvulsant therapy. Gradual neurological improvement was observed during hospitalization. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering MBD in individuals with chronic alcohol use who present with acute neurological symptoms. Prompt neuroimaging and early thiamine administration are essential to improve clinical outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2026 J. Marcel, Sharon Joe Daniel, Jayakrishnaveni C https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Mental Healthcare Act 2017 and rights of persons withmental illness in India: a doctrinal and policy review.
Background: The Mental Healthcare Act 2017 (MHCA 2017) represents a paradigmatic shift in India’s mental health landscape, transitioning from a custodial model to a human rights-based framework. This study examines the Act’s alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and evaluates its capacity to safeguard the rights and dignity of persons with mental illness (PwMI). Methods: This research utilizes a doctrinal and policy review methodology. Data were gathered through a comprehensive analysis of primary legislation, government policy documents, and relevant secondary literature. The study traces the historical evolution of Indian mental health law and critically assesses the legal mechanisms established under the MHCA 2017. Results: The analysis identifies several progressive provisions, most notably the decriminalization of attempted suicide, the introduction of advance directives, and the right to access quality, affordable mental healthcare. The Act also institutionalizes support systems through Nominated Representatives and Mental Health Review Boards. However, significant implementation barriers persist, including chronic underfunding, a severe shortage of mental health professionals, underdeveloped community-based services, and the uneven functioning of statutory review bodies across different states. Conclusion: While the MHCA 2017 provides a robust normative framework for mental health rights, its transformative potential remains under-realized. Bridging the "implementation gap" requires sustained public investment, inter-sectoral coordination, and systematic monitoring. The study offers targeted recommendations to strengthen the legislative impact and ensure that the rights of PwMI are protected in day-to-day clinical practice.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vishnu Mangalamchery, N. A Uvais https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Borderline personality disorder management - a descriptive online survey of indian psychiatrists
Background: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is increasingly being recognized in clinical practice in India. This study aims to understand the diagnostic and management practices of psychiatrists in India concerning BPD. We also examined the practice of sharing the diagnosis with patients and caregivers and the factors influencing this. Methods: The study was conducted as an online cross-sectional survey using a convenience sampling method among practicing psychiatrists across India. A purpose-built online questionnaire was designed and circulated by email and social media groups. Results: 296 psychiatrists completed the survey. The reported diagnostic and management practices were consistent with the latest guidelines. The psychiatrists felt confident in diagnosing BPD but less confident in managing it. While most of them gained experience in diagnosing and managing the disorder during their training period, they also gained skills and knowledge through other means like continuing medical education events and workshops. The participants of the survey strongly believed in a need for specialized services and more focused practical training in this field. Conclusions: The discrepancy between confidence in the diagnosis and management of BPD indicates the need for hands-on training in management practices.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lakshmi Venkatraman, Janaki Rajagopalan, Ashlesha Bagadia , Siddhika Ayyer , Jothilakshmi Durairaj https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Attitude towards mental illness among healthcare students – a cross-sectional survey
Background: Stigma toward mental illness remains a significant barrier to effective mental health care. Healthcare students, as future professionals, play a crucial role in shaping patient experiences, and their attitudes toward mental illness can influence help-seeking, treatment quality, and recovery outcomes. This study aims to assess attitudes toward mental illness among healthcare students and examine demographic and academic factors associated with stigmatizing attitudes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 340 healthcare students from a tertiary institution in Tamil Nadu. Participants completed a socio-demographic proforma and the 16-item mental illness: clinicians’ attitudes scale – version 4 (MICA-4) questionnaire using an online platform. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to examine differences in attitudes across demographic and academic variables. Results: The mean total MICA-4 score was 61.91 ± 8.94, indicating a moderate level of stigma. A significant difference was observed in Domain 2 (knowledge) across courses of study (p = 0.002, 95% CI: 1.12–3.81). Domain 5 (care for patients with mental illness) differed significantly across years of study (p = 0.003, 95% CI: 1.26–1.78). Students from urban backgrounds scored higher than rural students in Domain 4 (p = 0.027, 95% CI: 1.08–1.68) and in total MICA-4 scores (p = 0.046, 95% CI: 1.18–3.88). Conclusion: Although overall stigma levels were moderate, variations across academic and background factors highlight the need for targeted mental health education and early stigma-reduction strategies within healthcare curricula.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sumithra Devi S, Jeyanthy Pryadarshni S, Usaid S, Uma Gayathri B P, Siva Ilango T https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bloody Tears: A Rare Presentation of Munchausen Syndrome
Background: Haemolacria, or bloody tears, is a rare and alarming clinical presentation with a broad differential diagnosis encompassing ocular, systemic, and psychological causes. Factitious disorder imposed on self (previously known as Munchausen syndrome) is characterized by the deliberate fabrication of symptoms to assume the sick role and is particularly challenging to identify in adolescents. Awareness of this association is limited, often leading to extensive and unnecessary investigations. Case Presentation: A 17-year-old female presented with a six-month history of intermittent, painless bleeding from both eyes. Episodes were sudden, not associated with trauma, menstruation, or systemic illness, and caused significant distress to her family, while the patient remained relatively unconcerned. Comprehensive ophthalmic, hematological, and radiological evaluations, including CT and MR angiography, revealed no abnormalities. Mental state examination revealed anxiety related to familial stressors, particularly concerns about her father’s health and financial insecurity. Diagnosis: Following detailed psychiatric assessment and psychotherapy, the patient disclosed deliberate fabrication of symptoms using red watercolour paint to simulate bleeding episodes during periods of emotional stress, primarily to gain attention and care. A diagnosis of factitious disorder imposed on self presenting as haemolacria was established. Management and Outcome: An eclectic psychotherapeutic approach focusing on insight development, addressing maladaptive coping mechanisms, and enhancing stress management skills was initiated. Regular follow-up sessions resulted in significant symptomatic improvement and cessation of fabricated bleeding episodes. Conclusion: This case highlights haemolacria as a rare but striking manifestation of factitious disorder in adolescents. It underscores the importance of considering psychiatric etiologies after exclusion of organic causes, particularly in unexplained and recurrent presentations. Early recognition can prevent unnecessary investigations, reduce iatrogenic harm, and facilitate timely psychological intervention.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Information from the external world enters the mind through the five special senses, forming perception that influences thoughts and emotions. The interaction of thoughts and emotions leads to the formation of impulses, which remain internal until expressed through speech or action, resulting in self-experience. The conversion of impulse into expression is regulated by experience derived from genetic factors, bodily sensations, others’ experiences, and self-experience. Experience guides impulse expression by considering contextual factors such asplace,meaning,andsituation,highlightingtheroleofsensoryinputandexperientialregulationinshapinghuman behavior.
Ayurveda, Homeopathy and other complementary treatments in the child and adolescent mental health: A critical review of emerging paradigms
The prevalence of child and adolescent mental health disorders, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorders, is increasing globally, necessitating diverse treatment approaches. While conventional psychiatric interventions such as pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy remain the standard of care, their limitations—including side effects, treatment resistance, and accessibility challenges—have led to a growing interest in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Ayurveda, homeopathy, and other CAM interventions are widely used, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where up to 97% of the population relies on traditional medicine. Despite their popularity, scientific validation of these treatments remains limited, with inconsistent evidence regarding their efficacy, safety, and feasibility for integration into mainstream psychiatric care. This review examines the role of CAM in child and adolescent psychiatry, highlighting potential benefits and limitations based on a comprehensive literature search across major databases, expert discussions from an academic seminar, and survey responses from clinicians. Findings suggest that Ayurvedic practices such as “Sattvavajaya” (a cognitive-behavioral therapy analog), homeopathic remedies, and mind-body interventions like yoga and mindfulness show promise for managing psychiatric conditions. However, regulatory challenges, quality control concerns, and insufficient clinical validation hinder their integration into evidence-based mental healthcare. Further rigorous research, standardized treatment protocols, and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to determine the role of CAM in pediatric psychiatry. Medical education must also incorporate CAM-related training to equip clinicians with the knowledge necessary to guide patients and caregivers effectively.
Climate change and the mental health of older adults in India: a geropsychological perspective on risk, resilience, and policy gaps
Background: Climate change is emerging as a major public health threat with significant mental health consequences. Older adults in India, due to physical frailty, cognitive decline, and limited social protection, are uniquely vulnerable to these climate stressors. Despite their heightened susceptibility, the intersection of climate change and geriatric mental health remains underexplored in India. Methods: This review synthesizes existing national and international literature on the mental health impacts of climate change among older adults, particularly in the Indian context. Databases searched include PubMed, Scopus, and Indian Journals Online. Grey literature and policy documents were also reviewed. Results: Evidence indicates that older adults are disproportionately affected by heatwaves, floods, droughts, and climate-induced displacement. Key psychiatric outcomes include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicide. Challenges include limited access to care, infrastructural inadequacies, and the breakdown of familial support. Protective factors include community engagement, intergenerational support, and culturally sensitive mental health interventions. Conclusion: There is a pressing need for India to incorporate geriatric mental health into its climate adaptation and mental health strategies. Future research must focus on building climate-resilient mental health systems with a geropsychological lens.
Letter to editor: mental health and neuroscientific impact of the blind box toy consumption
Blind box toys are popular, but long-term addiction to such products can have negative impacts on mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and suicide risks. Previous researchers have emphasized that players experience happiness and look forward to the blind box toy they purchase. Unpredictable contents in a blind box trigger dopamine release, and when a dopamine rush can be addictive, it leads individuals to buy more to gain potentially rare or desirable items, resulting in financial losses, buyer’s remorse, and immersion in surprise and disappointment for the gambling-like physical products. What feelings are blind box consumers pursuing? Blind box collectables offer a more exciting experience than buying transparently packaged items, and they provide participants with the hedonic value when imagining what could be inside in the pre-opening phase. That is, blind box toys’ unknown attributes were quite attractive to consumers. Blind box toys are sold in opaque packaging which allows consumers to possess a sense of mystery, as the emotional value exceeds the utilitarian value, and derive enjoyment and satisfaction from them. From a consumer behavior perspective, being blind is perceived as uncertainty; positive emotions of surprise and feelings of winning are accompanied by curious consumers because they perceive themselves as lucky, estimating outcomes optimistically.
Patterns of psychiatric morbidity in patients attendingpsychiatric OPD of Government Medical College Anantnag
Background: Psychiatric morbidity is a significant public health concern globally, with disparities in access and awareness exacerbating the burden in resource-limited settings like Kashmir. The region’s socio-political instability and cultural factors have compounded mental health issues, necessitating region-specific studies to assess psychiatric patterns. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and patterns of psychiatric disorders among patients attending the Psychiatry Outpatient Department (OPD) at Government Medical College, Anantnag, Kashmir, and identify sociodemographic associations. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted over six months, enrolling 933 patients aged =12 years using consecutive sampling. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected through structured proformas and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. Statistical analyses, including descriptive and inferential tests, were performed using SPSS Version 20.0. Results: Of the 933 participants (mean age 32.9 years, 61.3% females), major depressive disorder (23.7%) was the most prevalent diagnosis, followed by obsessive-compulsive disorder (19.3%) and bipolar affective disorder (10.5%). Anxiety disorders collectively accounted for 8.7%, while schizophrenia and PTSD had lower prevalence rates (2.6% and 0.8%, respectively). Females were disproportionately affected by OCD (19.9%) and major depressive episodes (15.4%). Panic disorders and dementia were more common among males. Younger participants predominantly presented with anxiety-related disorders, while older individuals exhibited higher rates of dementia and cognitive impairments. Homemakers (37.9%) and students (30.3%) formed the largest occupational groups. Conclusion: The study highlights a high burden of depressive and anxiety disorders in Kashmir, influenced by gender, age, and sociocultural factors. Females exhibited higher rates of affective disorders, while younger individuals reported anxiety-related conditions. These findings underscore the need for gender- and agespecific mental health interventions and culturally sensitive policies to address the unique challenges faced by Kashmir’s population.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nadeem Bashir, Syed Zuhare, Mansoor Ahmad Dar, Javed Ahmad Sheikh, Rehana Amin, Muntaqueem ul kousar, Mehroosh Roub, Rasikha Rasool Khan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Prisoners acquitted on the grounds of unsoundness of mind and admitted in a mental health establishment – a case series
Background: Individuals acquitted on grounds of unsoundness of mind and admitted in a mental healthcare facility as per section 335 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) represent a unique intersection of psychiatric morbidity and legal oversight. This study details the nature of criminal offence, the psychiatric illness, and related factors in such individuals resulting in prolonged stay in psychiatric establishments after legal acquittal. Material and Methods: This retrospective case series examined medico-legal records of five individuals admitted to a tertiary psychiatric facility between 2015 and 2022. Data were extracted on sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric diagnoses, nature of offences, legal proceedings, and duration of stay in the mental health establishment. Results: All individuals were diagnosed with Schizophrenia and had committed serious offences—primarily homicide—during active psychotic episodes. None had received adequate psychiatric treatment just before the offense. There were delays in rendering the individual fit to stand trial due to chronic severe mental illness, which contributed to a prolonged hospital stay, often exceeding 5 years. Discharge and reunion with family members could not be achieved in these patients due to long-standing mental illness. Conclusion: This case series highlights the complex clinical and legal journeys of individuals acquitted on grounds of unsoundness of mind. Prolonged inpatient stay remains common, often due to chronicity of illness and limited family support, emphasizing the need for regular psychiatric treatment, developing structured discharge protocols, expanding community-based rehabilitation options, and improving legal awareness among caregivers.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sajitha Shifana A, Dr Karthikeyan V, Dr PP Kannan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Role of Psychiatrists in Mental Health Care Delivery Spectrum: Addressing the Challenge sand Expanding the Scope
Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s). https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s). https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The research interface between psychiatry and medicine: Evolving paradigms and their implications
Copyright (c) 2024 Indian Journal of Mental Health and Neurosciences https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
ENCHANT - Enhancing Psychiatric History Taking: A Comprehensive Approach
Factors Affecting Adherence to Oral Medications in Chronic Psychiatric Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Western India: A Cross-Sectional Study
Background: Adherence to Medications has been identified as an important factor in determining the course of psychiatric illness and future recovery. Despite this fact, lower adherence rates have been reported. Aim: To determine the level of adherence to oral medications in chronic psychiatric patients and to assess factors affecting adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 225 patients diagnosed with and on treatment for Psychiatric Conditions for more than three months at the Outpatient Department of Psychiatry of a tertiary care hospital in Western India from September to October 2023. Data were collected using a Case Report Form and a standardized Adherence to Refills and Medications Score (ARMS) Questionnaire. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used. Variables with p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Majority of the study population (87.6%) was found to be non-adherent. Through univariate logistic regression, it was found that the female gender (OR: 2.425; 95% CI: 1.020 – 5.766), higher education of head score (OR: 2.410; 95% CI: 1.063 – 4.758), and lesser number of class of medications (OR: 2.315; 95% CI: 1.037 – 5.166) were significant predictors of adherence. Multivariate logistic regression showed that higher education of head score (AOR: 2.705; 95% CI: 1.144 – 6.398) and lower frequency of consumption of medications (AOR: 0.335; 95% CI: 0.135 – 0.829) were associated with better adherence. Conclusion: The study showed that further improvements in adherence are required. Factors contributing to non-adherence should be assessed and intervened.
Assessment of association between pregnancy induced hypertension and cognitive function: Before and after one month of delivery: Cohort study
Introduction: Pre-eclampsia is a leading cause of morbidity and death in mother and baby. This also leads to endothelial dysfunction in large and small vessels, which leads to cognitive impairment. This is the first kind of study from India on the assessment of cognitive function in the Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) group. Materials and Method: We recruited cases from the obstetric department’s antenatal care. We applied Socio-demographic data and a Cognitive assessment battery (Trail Making Test (TMT) A and B, PGI memory scale, Porteus maze, and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST)) to collect information on cognitive function. The data was collected from May 2021 to November 2021. Assessment was done during pregnancy and one month after Delivery. Data was assessed using SPSS software. Results: The TMT A and B values were 27.32 & 57.08 predelivery and 23.34 & 48.74 post-delivery. In PGI memory scale (pre and post-delivery values), Remote memory (6.76 & 6.81), recent memory (4.99 & 5.00), mental balance (6.26 &6.75), attention and concentration(7.42 & 8.27), delayed recall (6.29 &6.9), immediate recall(5.13 & 5.70), verbal retention-dissimilar word (9.52 & 10.18) and recognition (6.75 & 7.62) & DSST (88.0 & 91.31), verbal retention for similar words (5.19 &5.34 &)and visual (2.19 & 2.22) retention. The Maze Test-1 (17.29 & 13.06) Maze Test-2 (21.44 & 16.83). Before Delivery, cognitive impairment was present in the Pregnancy Hypertension (PIH) group in trail making, MAZE test, and certain areas of the PGI memory scale, which were statistically significant (<0. 001) compared to the healthy control group. It continues even after one month of Delivery. Conclusion: This study has shown that there was an association between the pregnancy-induced hypertensive group and the healthy control group in certain domains of cognitive function before Delivery. The cognitive impairment persists even after one month of Delivery, which signifies microvascular damage persists for a longer duration.