Abstract
Mental Health problems and illnesses have accelerated at an alarming rate due to COVID-19 pandemic worldwide as well as in Pakistan with the potential of worsening due to crucial mismatch of available resources and burden of disease. Pakistan is the world’s fifth most populous country with an estimated population of 220 million as of 20201. With an increase in societal awareness and much needed de-stigmatization in recent years, increasing numbers of people are seeking help for common mental illnesses and the few studies that have been done in Pakistan have documented a much higher prevalence of mental health issues in Pakistan compared to Western countries. There are an estimated six million drug addicts in the country. Serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia are estimated to have a prevalence rate of 1.5% in the population2. Child mental health problems also are common with a mean prevalence of 15%3.
Highlights
With an increase in societal awareness and much needed de-stigmatization in recent years, increasing numbers of people are seeking help for common mental illnesses and the few studies that have been done in Pakistan have documented a much higher prevalence of mental health issues in Pakistan compared to Western countries
The World Health OrganizationAssessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO_AIMS) report on the mental health system in Pakistan published in 20094 reported alarming deficiencies in financial, human and logistical resources
Pakistan’s current case fatality ratio from COVID-19 illness is relatively low compared to many Western countries including the UK, USA and Italy[8]
Summary
Mental Health problems and illnesses have accelerated at an alarming rate due to COVID-19 pandemic worldwide as well as in Pakistan with the potential of worsening due to crucial mismatch of available resources and burden of disease. With an increase in societal awareness and much needed de-stigmatization in recent years, increasing numbers of people are seeking help for common mental illnesses and the few studies that have been done in Pakistan have documented a much higher prevalence of mental health issues in Pakistan compared to Western countries.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
