Mental illness or a mental disorder is essentially a psychological pattern that is reflected in a person’s behavior, and which causes distress or disability. The behavioral aspect of a mentally ill patient is reflected in the way the person acts, thinks, feels or perceives. Such mental disorders are usually manifested in a patient’s brain or nervous system. Although the exact reasons for mental disorders remain largely unknown, some of the factors responsible include genetic inheritance, disturbing life experiences and substance abuse such as drug intake. Treatment for mental disorders is provided by psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and other mental health professionals. While peer group support and social interventions are a big help, two major treatment options for mental disorders include psychotherapy and psychiatric medication. The Indian healthcare system is woefully inadequate with regard to the treatment of mental disorders. A large section of the population is affected by some kind of mental and behavioral disorders, but the ratio of psychiatrist-patient ratio is abysmally low. A large section of mentally ill patients also live in rural areas, which have only access to primary healthcare facilities. Going forward, the government needs to be more proactive and increase the budget for mental health services, if such diseases are to be contained within the country. Hide this