Mental Retardation: The Mental Health Pariah

1994 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-44
Author(s):  
Pallavi Nishith ◽  
Kim T. Mueser
2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Joseph ◽  
H Sankar ◽  
D Nambiar

Abstract The fourth target of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 advocates for the promotion of mental health and wellbeing. The Indian state of Kerala is recognized for its gains in health and development but has substantial burden of mental health ailments. Historical analysis is vital to understand the pattern of mental health morbidity. The current study focusses on comparable estimates available from three largescale population-based surveys in India to explore trends in prevalence of mental health disorders over the years and map resources and infrastructure available for mental health care in Kerala. We undertook a secondary analysis of national demographic surveys from 2002 to 2018 which reported information on mental health and availability of health infrastructure and human resources. Data were collated and descriptive analyses were conducted. We compared the national and state level estimates over the years to study the trend in the prevalence of mental health disability. The prevalence of mental retardation and intellectual disability in Kerala increased from 194 per hundred thousand persons in 2002 to 300 per hundred thousand persons in 2018, two times higher to the national average. The prevalence of mental illness increased from 272 per hundred thousand people to 400 per hundred thousand people in sixteen years. The prevalence was higher among males (statistical significance was not indicated) in mental illness and mental retardation. 2018 data showed that the public sector had 0.01 hospitals and 5.53 beds per hundred thousand persons available for mental health treatment. Results showed a substantial increase in mental health illness over the 16-year study period that has affected males and females, as well as all social classes of the state. The current health infrastructure and human resources in the public sector of the state are inadequate to meet the current burden of the problem and to ensure universal access to care for its population. Key messages The trend in prevalence of mental health disorders in the state is increasing across the years. There is a mismatch between the extend of the problem and resources available in public sector.


The Disorders ◽  
2001 ◽  
pp. 243-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon A. Borthwick-Duffy

1979 ◽  
Vol 161 (3) ◽  
pp. 23-39
Author(s):  
Philip R. Jones ◽  
R. Wayne Mooers

State education agencies have evolved through at least three stages: inspectorial; data collection; and consultation. SEA personnel for the most part have felt quite comfortable in the more recent “friendly helper” or “white hat” role rather than the “black hat” role of the inspectorial stage. PL 94-142 now places the SEA in a monitoring (inspectorial) phase not only for LEAs but for all public and nonpublic day or residential programs providing special education and related services. SEA standards must be enforced at the LEA level, which many existing SEA staff may find uncomfortable or objectionable. The problem is deeper, however, when the private sector, or other public sector agencies such as corrections, mental health, mental retardation, developmental disabilities, public health, and welfare, also have an accountability to the SEA. This article will present many concerns in the above areas, suggest possible solutions, and more importantly, examine the need for a new breed of SEA staff.


2004 ◽  
Vol 184 (4) ◽  
pp. 291-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Bouras ◽  
Geraldine Holt

Services for people with learning disabilities have been transformed since the late 1960s by the move from institutional to community care. (Learning disabilities is the term currently used in the UK in preference to mental retardation, developmental disabilities and mental handicap.) Important changes include the progress towards integration, participation, inclusion and choice for people with learning disabilities, which have occurred in the context of the broader civil and human rights movements. It is time to examine the services delivered to people with learning disabilities and comorbid psychiatric disorders (mental illness, personality disorders, behavioural problems with aggression) and the evidence for their effectiveness.


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