Factors influencing treatment-seeking in psychiatric practice

Objectives: To discuss influence of sociocultural factors on treatment-seeking in psychiatric practice Background: According to National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) there is a huge treatment gap for psychiatric disorders. Though, the limitation of available resources is an important factor, available resources are also underutilised. One important influencer that affects treatment decision is sociocultural understanding about the mental illness. Other factors like education, employment and locality also influence the treatment choices. Among sociocultural factors stigma and faith healing practices are important and dominating factors determining treatment seeking as well as adherence in Indian context. The stigma of mental illness not only leads to delay in seeking treatment but also increase the chances of dropout from psychiatric treatment adversely affecting the prognosis. Similarly, faith healing is an important factor in Indian setting. The symposium will focus on these domains, to increase understanding of clinicians. Description of the symposium: This symposium will be discussed under following heading: 1.Introduction to sociocultural factors; 2.How stigma influences treatment seeking; 3.Influence of faith healing on treatment choices. Speakers: 1.Dr. Naresh Nebhinani, Additional Professor & Head, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS Jodhpur, India. Email ID: drnaresh_pgi@yahoo.com; 2.Dr. Mukesh Kumar Swami, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS Jodhpur, India. Email ID: mukesh.swami@gmail.com; 3.Dr. Navratan Suthar, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, Jodhpur, India. Email ID: navratansuthar86@gmail.com.