120,000 treated for psychological problems in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: People have become burdened with economic problems and even children have become status conscious due to which psychological problems are continuously increasing in society.

A written reply submitted to the National Assembly by the Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) on Friday showed that over 120,000 people received psychiatric treatment in four hospitals of the federal capital during the last three years.

MNA Amra Khan had asked for the details of patients who received psychiatric treatment in the federal capital during three years.

The document showed that 38,857 people suffering from psychiatric problems visited the outpatient department of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims). Around 754 of the patients were admitted to the hospital as they were severely depressed. Polyclinic received 41,171 patients with psychological problems and treated or suggested medicines to them.

In the Capital Hospital, 32,266 patients got treatment and 795 of them were admitted because of psychological complications.

CADD submits to NA details of patients who visited four hospitals during three years

The National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine provided treatment to 9,888 patients.

The document stated that the hospitals in the federal capital were not only providing outdoor and indoor treatment but also arranged psychotherapy sessions for the patients.

Health expert of Pims, Dr Waseem Khawaja, told Dawn that psychological problems were increasing in the country.

“People have been facing financial problems due to which they face psychological issues. Moreover, the environment, weather and other social issues are also creating psychological problems.”

He said the electronic media also added to the psychological problems of the citizens by continuously airing bad news. People should have television in their TV lounge instead of bedrooms so that they get a proper sleep. Usually, people sleep while watching TV and it remains on till the morning due to which they cannot get proper and deep sleep, he said.

In reply to a question, Dr Waseem said children also faced psychological issues because compared to the adults they were more sensitive.

Some children face psychological problems just because their parents come on motorbikes to pick them from schools. On the other hand, they observe parents of other students coming in cars, he said.

“In the joint family system, tension between some family members becomes a routine and children suffer more in such a situation,” he said.

On the other hand, people don’t have awareness to deal with children or carry out psychotherapy. Instead of discussing only about education, parents should also talk to their children about their issues, he said.

Dr Waseem said there was also a concept that only mentally-retarded people needed to see a psychiatrist. The fact is a completely normal person can also need a session with the psychiatrist, he added.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2016