An epidemiological study of psychiatric disorders in Kashmir

Mental disorders are highly prevalent and affect people across all regions of the world. The State of Jammu and Kashmir has been witness to a conflict for about three decades. Little is known about the extent of mental disorders in Kashmir. There was a dire need to estimate the prevalence of mental disorders among the rural population of Kashmir. The study was undertaken to estimate the point prevalence of specific mental disorders in rural population of Kashmir, sociodemographic correlates of mental disorders and to assess the service utilization in individuals with mental disorders.

Community-based survey carried out in rural districts of Kashmir using a mixed sampling technique. The survey was conducted in six blocks of two districts (Pulwama and Baramulla) of Kashmir. Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for psychiatric morbidity was used. Appropriate statistical methods were applied.

In total, 11.3% of adult population suffers from mental illness in the valley. As compared to males (8.4%), females had a higher prevalence (12.9%). Depressive disorders (8.4%) were the most common psychiatric disorders, followed by anxiety disorders (5.1%). Only 12.6% of patients suffering from mental disorders had sought treatment for their illnesses.

The findings of this study have cleared many doubts and indicated the prevalence of 10 common mental health disorders in the general population as well as among different socioeconomic groups in Kashmir. This study has indicated low levels of treatment sought by people with mental illness.