What is Mental Illness?
Mental illness refers to a group of psychological or behavioral symptoms that cause impairment in a person's daily life, resulting in negative consequences. Some individuals acknowledge their condition and seek psychiatric treatment, while others may deny it, leading to untreated conditions that can become life-threatening. It is important to be observant of the symptoms in oneself and others regarding mental illness. If abnormalities or impacts on daily life are noticed, it is advisable to promptly consult a psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment planning. Today, we will explore common mental illnesses in Thailand and the reasons behind the increasing trend among Thai people.
Why is there an increasing trend of mental illness among Thai people?
In the past, economic, social, and crisis situations, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have limited the accessibility and availability of mental health care in Thailand. The number of mental health professionals in Thailand is low compared to the number of patients, making it difficult for individuals to receive proper treatment. According to the Department of Mental Health, in 2021, the number of mental health patients in Thailand increased by nearly 2 times, from 1.3 million in 2015 to 2.3 million in 2021. This number does not include the additional 1.35 million patients with depression, which has significantly increased over the past decade.
Some may wonder why there is a shortage of psychiatrists. Dr. Woratum explained that there is a scarcity of psychiatrists due to the lengthy training process. It takes 6 years to complete the medical degree, followed by an additional 3 years of specialized psychiatric training. Adult psychiatrists require 3 years of study, while child and adolescent psychiatrists need 4 years. The prolonged training period slows down the increase in the number of professionals. Moreover, the availability of positions, staff turnover, or the opening of new service units also affects the number of psychiatrists. It takes around 3 teaching physicians to produce 1 psychiatrist, further contributing to the slow increase in their numbers. This is unlike other medical specialties that have a higher production rate. As a result, there is a long waiting list to see a psychiatrist, reflecting the scarcity of professionals.
What are the common mental illnesses in Thailand, and what are their symptoms?
The main factors contributing to mental illness are related to the four main aspects of life. Stressors can arise from various causes such as cost of living, unemployment, political issues, homelessness, criminal problems, and substance abuse. The common mental illnesses in Thailand include:
· Depression: Patients experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, boredom, sensitivity, frequent crying, feelings of worthlessness, emptiness, forgetfulness, insomnia, loss of appetite, headaches, and may have thoughts of not wanting to live. Without proper treatment, there is a high risk of suicide, so it is essential to seek help from a psychiatrist.
· Panic Disorder: This is a sudden panic attack triggered by an overactive autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, headaches, feeling lightheaded, and a sense of suffocation. If panic attacks occur frequently and are accompanied by other symptoms such as constant worry about having an attack, feeling out of control, being easily startled, and significant behavioral changes, it is advisable to consult a psychiatrist.
· Schizophrenia: Patients experience hallucinations, delusions, disorganized or incoherent speech, confusion, and may appear detached or suspicious. If the symptoms persist for more than 6 months without treatment, it becomes more challenging to manage the condition as schizophrenia is a chronic illness.
· Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of depression and abnormally elevated moods. During the depressive phase, individuals may experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair, followed by sudden disappearance of these symptoms before entering a phase of abnormally elevated mood. This elevated mood can manifest as increased energy, decreased need for sleep, heightened activity, good interpersonal relationships, and an overall positive mood. However, there can be difficulties in mood regulation, with easy irritability, being easily disturbed, and mood swings.
Apart from that, dementia is also one of the symptoms that can be observed in mental illnesses. It is crucial to pay attention to one's own symptoms and those of people around them. If there are similar symptoms as mentioned, it is important to promptly seek medical advice for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Don't wait until it's too late, as mental disorders are closer to us than we realize. For customers of Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance, you can undergo online mental health assessments at no cost. For more information, please visit https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/MindHealth.
· Vejthani Hospital
· Ramathibodi Hospital
· Department of Mental Health
· tcijithai website
