Just 10 percent of the 30 million Chinese currently suffering
from depression are getting proper medical care due to a lack of
psychiatrists and social prejudice against mental illness, experts
have said.
At a meeting in Shanghai last week, mental health professionals
said that China has just 17,000 registered psychiatrists, or one
for every 76,000 people.
Most Western countries have a 10-times better ratio.
Hao Wei, vice-director of the Chinese Psychiatrists'
Association, said that more than 60 percent of those currently
suffering from depression could greatly benefit from proper
medication or professional psychiatric help.
"But there are just too few doctors available," Hao said, adding
that investment in mental healthcare was also insufficient.
Hao said that about 25 percent of depression cases are first
diagnosed by physicians.
"We need to help our physician colleagues recognize the early
signs of depression, so that they can refer those patients to
psychiatric professionals," Hao said.
However, the greatest problem, Hao said, comes from society, in
the shape of the widespread prejudice people have toward those with
mental health problems.
Because of public prejudice, many patients are reluctant to
visit hospitals specializing in mental care, he said. As a result,
75 percent of all anti-depressants are prescribed by
physicians.
Hao, however, voiced his support for physicians who prescribe
anti-depressants, as they are currently under-used.
Some patients are reluctant to take such pills, as they are
concerned about the side effects, Hao said.
The economic cost of depression, in terms of medical bills and
lost manpower, is about 60 billion yuan (US$7.8 billion) a year,
experts said.
A survey conducted recently in Zhejiang and Hebei provinces found that depression was more
prevalent in rural communities. Women were also more likely to
suffer from it than men, the survey said.
"People living between Beijing and Hebei, have had to deal with
complicated social changes, and that can lead to depression," Hao
said.
(China Daily May 18, 2007)