Medical attribution of common mental disorders in a rural Indian population.
Common mental disorders (CMD) refer to anxiety and depressive disorders causing significant disability and are commonly encountered in communities. Early diagnosis and treatment of these disorders can be improved if the population has a better understanding of them. This study aimed to explore the medical attribution of CMD among a rural community in South India using case vignettes. While most respondents agreed that there was a problem, they showed a preference for lay help over medical treatment. Improving awareness among rural communities of the usefulness of medical help for CMD might facilitate early diagnosis and treatment for these disorders.
Department of Psychiatry, St. John's Medical College Hospital, Bangalore 560034, India.
K
K
Srinivasan
A N
AN
Isaacs
E
E
Villanueva
A
A
Lucas
D
D
Raghunath