Phenomenology of severe mental disorders in community.

BACKGROUND: Community Mental Health Programme (CMHP) in Halol taluka, Gujarat, is a decade long program striving for treatment and creating awareness for mental health. A study was undertaken to understand the phenomenology of severe mental disorders in this community. • AIMS: I.To study the demographic profile of the patients with severe mental disorder(SMD). II.To study the prevalence and the social aspects of the SMD. • METHOD: A qualitative study included 406 patients registered with the mental health centre. A Semi-structured questionnaire was prepared for data collection and statistically analysed. • RESULTS: 84% of the population was in age group of 21 to 60yrs. 34.5% belonged to tribal, while 57.7% belong to Baria community. 56% depended on agriculture and 16.2 % on labour as their main work. Only 9% patients pursued studies,whereas 35.3% of caregivers had completed secondary schooling. 51% were diagnosed with schizophrenia.15.5% suffered other psychotic disorders, whereas 23.4% had major depressive disorder and 10.1% were bipolar mood disorder. 67% of patients reported illness after 2 – 10 years of onset of illness. 64% had chosen traditional healing practices as a first choice of intervention. Death in the family(12.8%), Domestic violence(10.3%), financial problems(10.1%) and physical illness(8.4%) were some of the precipitating events for the illness. 3/4(th) of population faced social stigma and. 64% suffered poverty. • CONCLUSION: Extensive awareness program and mental health centres for the treatment is essential in creating awareness and acceptance of treatment for mental illness and eleviate the stigma.