Mental health problems in Pakistani society as a consequence of violence and trauma: a case for better integration of care.

Muhammad Tahir Khalily

doi:10.5334/ijic.662

Abstract

This paper discusses the increasing incidence of mental health problems in Pakistan, and specifically in the Swat Valley, in relation to the growing insurgency and current violence in Pakistani society. The paper argues that the health care system's response in Pakistan is not adequate to meet the current challenges and that changes in policy are needed to build mental health care services as an important component of the basic health package at primary care level in the public sector. This paper reviews the existing mental health situation in Pakistan with reference to the findings of a case study in the Swat Valley in Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa Pakistan. The figures presented in the case study are used to support the need for an integrated national mental health policy. Mental health care needs to be incorporated as a core service in primary care and supported by specialist services. There is a strong need to provide adequate training for general practitioners and postgraduate training for mental health professionals to meet the current demands. A collaborative network between stakeholders in the public and private sector, as well as non-governmental organisations are required that promotes mental health care and advocates for changes in mental health policy.

Highlights

There is an alarming increase in the incidence of mental illness due to a persistent wave of violence, political turmoil and frequent changes in the social fabric in many countries worldwide [1, 2]
To illustrate the depths of these problems, the section of this paper examines evidence collected on the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) amongst young people in the Swat Valley of the Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, the fourth province in the North West part of Pakistan, where arguably the greatest levels of violence and insurgency are to be found
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working for the promotion of mental health in Pakistan have been evolving in recent decades, but have not kept pace with the demand for more and better services

Summary

Introduction

There is an alarming increase in the incidence of mental illness due to a persistent wave of violence, political turmoil and frequent changes in the social fabric in many countries worldwide [1, 2]. A greater magnitude of exposure to traumatic events is known to be associated with the greater prevalence of severe mental health problems [10] This continuous violence and threat to life has had a damaging effect to the. The studies sought to establish the potential link of the aftermath of conflict to psychological issues and higher rates of prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the survivors. From these studies, the possibility of developing PTSD can be seen to be a function of many variables, the most important being exposure to traumatic events. An attempt has been made to review the present treatment services and to propose a strategy compatible with Pakistan’s organizational culture

30 Avoidance and numbing symptoms

Conclusion

Findings

Limitations