BRAC Healthcare

Author: Nausheen Karim

  • Understanding Mental Disorders

    Understanding Mental Disorders

    Key Facts About Mental Health

    Mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being, yet approximately 1 in every 8 individuals worldwide lives with a mental disorder. Mental disorders are characterized by significant disruptions in thinking, emotional regulation, or behavior. They range from common conditions like anxiety and depression to more complex issues such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The good news is that various types of mental disorders can be effectively prevented or treated. However, even with effective interventions available, many people face barriers to care due to stigma, discrimination, and systemic issues in healthcare.

    The International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11), defines mental disorders as conditions associated with distress, impairment, or a risk of self-harm. These disorders affect the quality of life and daily functioning of millions worldwide, making mental health care a global priority.

    The Global Burden of Mental Disorders

    The impact of mental health issues on a global scale is staggering. In 2019, approximately 970 million people worldwide were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most prevalent. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further worsened these issues, leading to a significant rise in anxiety (26%) and depressive disorders (28%) within just one year.

    Specific Mental Disorders

    Mental disorders cover a broad spectrum, each with unique symptoms and treatment options. Here are some of the most common disorders:

    • Anxiety Disorders: Affecting 301 million people in 2019, anxiety disorders are marked by excessive fear and worry. They are highly treatable with psychological therapies.
    • Depression: With 280 million people affected in 2019, depression involves persistent sadness and a lack of interest in life. Treatments include both medication and psychological interventions.
    • Bipolar Disorder: Impacting 40 million individuals, bipolar disorder involves cycles of depressive and manic episodes. Effective treatments include psychoeducation and medication.

     

    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Common in conflict-affected areas, PTSD involves re-experiencing traumatic events and can be managed with psychological treatments.
    • Schizophrenia: Affecting 24 million people globally, schizophrenia is characterized by perceptual disturbances and behavioral changes, treatable with medication and psychosocial interventions.
    • Eating Disorders: Affecting 14 million people, conditions like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are treatable through therapies such as family-based and cognitive-based therapy.
    • Disruptive Behavior and Dissocial Disorders: Impacting 40 million individuals, these involve persistent behavior problems, which are manageable through psychological treatments.
    • Neurodevelopmental Disorders: These include intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD, with treatment options involving both medication and psychosocial interventions.

    Understanding Risk Factors

    Mental health resilience is shaped by various factors, from individual and familial to community and structural elements. Adverse conditions such as poverty, violence, and social inequality increase vulnerability to mental disorders. On the other hand, protective factors like strong emotional skills and supportive genetics can enhance resilience.

    The WHO Response to Mental Health Challenges

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has been proactive in addressing mental health. The WHO’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 aims to:

    • Strengthen leadership on mental health issues,
    • Expand access to services,
    • Promote mental health awareness, and
    • Advance research and evidence-based practices.

    Additionally, the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) provides guidance, tools, and training to enhance mental health services, particularly in low-resource settings.

    Wrapping Up

    The global impact of mental disorders is significant, but progress is being made. With increased awareness, better support systems, and continued advocacy for improved mental health services, we can help reduce the stigma and barriers that prevent many from seeking the care they need. Mental health is everyone’s responsibility, and together, we can make a difference.

    At BRAC Healthcare, you can avail mental health services from experienced Psychologists and Psychiatrists. To know more you can visit https://brachealthcare.com/doctors/?keyword=&location=&specialities=psychiatry&days= or https://brachealthcare.com/doctors/?keyword=&location=uttara&specialities=psychology&days=

     

    References:

    World Health Organization (WHO).

    Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders

     

  • Dengue and Severe Dengue

    Dengue and Severe Dengue

    Overview

    Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection predominant in tropical climates such as Bangladesh. While there is no specific cure for dengue, the effects of this illness can, in some cases, be fatal. The World Health Organization highlighted dengue as a major concern in 2019, and recent outbreaks have emphasized its ongoing impact in many regions including Bangladesh.

    In Bangladesh and worldwide, Dengue outbreaks are most common during or after the rainy seasons. Numerous factors contribute to this rise including high mosquito density, different virus strains, and other environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature.

    What are the Symptoms?

    Dengue usually presents as a feverish illness, with symptoms appearing 4–10 days after a mosquito bite. These symptoms, which can range from none at all to severe, can be different for individuals and often mimic those of the flu. Let’s have a look at the common symptoms.

    Common signs include:

    • Fever
    • Headaches
    • Pain behind the eyes
    • Muscle and joint pain
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Skin rashes
    • Fatigue

    What is the Treatment?

    As dengue progresses, some patients may develop serious complications, including respiratory issues, bleeding from the gums and nose, and a sudden drop in blood pressure that can lead to shock, which can be fatal without timely treatment.

    Globally, the incidence of dengue has risen significantly, with cases increasing by 400% from 2000 to 2013. Every year, there are an estimated 100 million symptomatic cases and about 300 million asymptomatic infections worldwide, with Asia accounting for the majority (75%) of cases, followed by Latin America and Africa.

    Currently, there are no specific vaccines or antiviral treatments for dengue fever. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, and paracetamol is recommended to reduce fever. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen should be avoided.

    Recovering from an infection with one strain of the dengue virus provides lifelong immunity to that strain, but only temporary protection against the others.

    What are the Preventive Measures?

    • Use aerosol or mosquito repellent
    • Use mosquito nets
    • Wear long-sleeved clothing
    • Dispose of any stagnant water
    • Prevent water buildup

    Source: World Health Organization (WHO): Dengue and Severe Dengue