Informatics Publishing Limited

R. Srinivasa Murthy

Abstract

The universal goal of Health for All has focussed attention on Primary Health Care (PHC). Mental health forms an essential part of PHC. The current review examines 10 PHC staff manuals as to their mental health component. The content, style and adequacy and future areas for improvement have been outlined. It is concluded that the current awareness, though gratifying, should be enhanced and put on a firm foundation to make it possible for PHC staff to provide basic mental health care.

Keywords

Mental Health, Primary Health Care, Manuals of Health, Review

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G. N. Narayana Reddy , S. M. Channabasavanna , R. Srinivasa Murthy

Abstract

The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) for India was the result of efforts to develop non-institutional models of mental health care. The NMHP envisages integration of mental health care with general health care and welfare activities. Since 1982, a number of steps to involve the professionals, health planners and strengthen the manpower needed have been undertaken. A result of all these efforts is its implementation in about 10 States / Union territories and financial support for the programme in the Seventh Five Year Plan.

Keywords

Primary Health Care, Community Mental Health, NMHP

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G. N. Narayana Reddy , R. Srinivasa Murthy , M. K. Issac , C. R. Chandrasekhar , S. Moily

Abstract

National Mental Health Programme aims to provide mental health care through primary health care personnel. This type of care becomes accessible and acceptable to people. NIMHANS has been organising short term training programmes for PHC personnel since 1982. Follow up field visits were carried our in 1983 and in 1985 to review the mental health care activities of the trained personnel. At follow up health care work was not considered to be an additional burden and trained personnel were providing care to the mentally ill. A few constraints and difficulties regarding regular drug supply, records, monitoring and administrative support were identified.

Keywords

National Mental Health Programme, Community Mental Health, Primary Health Centers

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K. Sekar , R. Srinivasa Murthy

Abstract

With people's participation and involvement as a focus, health education has been rightly declared the first of the eight essential elements of primary health care approach. With the implementation of National Mental Health Programme in different parts of India, it is necessary that mental health education has to prepare and equip itself adequately to play its vital role and meet the challenges of integration of mental health care with primary health care. The present report outlines the various strategies involved in the development of mental health education material for such purposes. The strategies involved in the development of mental health education material has brought to focus the problems in developing material for public education purposes.

Keywords

Mental Health Education, Features of Mental Disorder, Strategies in Development, Field Testing, Flip Chart

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A. Sharma , R. Srinivasa Murthy

Abstract

Seventy one patients admitted for treatment of alcohol dependence in 1979, from Bangalore city were followed-up after 4-5 years. Out of 74.7% contacted 8.5% had died. Of the group, only 47.9% maintained follow-up contact with hospital. Of 47 patients for whom complete information was available, only 4.3% (2) were abstinent for the entire period of follow-up, 25.6% were drinking less than previously, 17% were abstinent for six months prior to follow up contact and 38.3% had reduced the amount of drinking compared to index admission. Depression was found in 40% of the subjects and 53.5% had abnormalities on physical examination. The improved group generally were older, had better physical health, less psychiatric morbidity, better marital life, social life and occupational functioning.>

Keywords

Alcohol Dependence, Follow-up

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R. Srinivasa Murthy , Somanath Chatterji , T. G. Sriram , Parvatha Vardhini , Mamatha Shetty , K. S. Raghavan

Abstract

Two hundred seventy five potential recruits to a double blind clinical trial comparing the efficacy of alprazolam with diazepam and imipramine in generalized anxiety disorder and major depression respectively were provided information about the trial in a standard manner. Except two subjects all others expressed clear choice about their participation. 62% of the subject consented for the trial, 37% refused for various reasons. Two subjects expected the treating doctor to decide for them. 15% of the subjects asked for further details before giving their choice. Comparison of the consenting and non-consenting subjects did not reveal any significant differences with respect to socio-demographic and clinical variables. The findings suggest that patients can express clear choice for drug trial provided sufficient information is given to them for making a choice.

Keywords

Informed Consent, Drug Trial

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R. Srinivasa Murthy , K. V. Subramaniam , S. Chatterji

Abstract

The published research in psychiatry by Indian scientists in the national and international journals have been reviewed. The broad areas of epidemiology, phenomenology, treatment, biological studies have become the focus of a number of studies. The speciality areas of child mental health, forensic psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, community mental health, drug dependence have started becoming areas for research effort, however limited these reports are at present. Professionals have emphasized the need for policies to guide development of mental health services, mental handicap care, undergraduate mental health education and manpower development. Newer areas coming for attention are mental health education and ethical aspects of mental health care. A lacunae of current research is the lack of longitudinal research efforts.

Keywords

Psychiatric Research, Review

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A. Chandramuki , Pratima Nayak , S. K. Shankar , T. Vasudev Rao , S. Chatterjee , S. Jain , R. Srinivasa Murthy

Abstract

no abstract

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