‘80% People With Psychiatric Disorders Do Not Receive Timely Treatment in India’

The Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) has raised serious concerns over India’s persistent mental health treatment gap, warning that nearly 80 to 85 per cent of people suffering from psychiatric disorders do not receive timely or appropriate care.

The issue was highlighted during the curtain-raiser event for the 77th Annual National Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society (ANCIPS 2026), scheduled to be held from January 28 to 31 at Yashobhoomi in Delhi.

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Mental health experts said that despite advances in psychiatric treatment and growing public awareness, the majority of individuals with mental illness continue to remain outside the formal healthcare system.

India Among Countries With Widest Treatment Gaps

According to data from the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), India faces one of the widest mental health treatment gaps globally.

The survey shows that over 85 per cent of people suffering from common mental disorders neither seek nor receive professional treatment.

Globally, the situation remains concerning. More than 70 per cent of individuals with mental health conditions do not receive care from trained professionals.

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In many low-income countries, fewer than 10 per cent of people needing mental healthcare are able to access treatment.

Experts said India’s large population and limited mental health infrastructure make the challenge even more severe.

Mental Illness Highly Treatable, Yet Neglected

Addressing the gathering, IPS President Dr Savita Malhotra stressed that most mental illnesses are highly treatable if detected early and managed properly.

She said the high rate of untreated mental disorders reflects deep-rooted stigma, poor awareness, and weak integration of mental health services into primary healthcare.

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Dr Malhotra described the issue as not only a medical concern but also a social, economic, and developmental challenge that requires urgent national attention.

She noted that millions continue to suffer silently due to fear of judgement and lack of accessible care.

Stigma and Delayed Care Worsen Outcomes

Experts at the event identified multiple interconnected factors behind the long delays in seeking psychiatric help.

Social stigma remains one of the biggest barriers, as individuals often fear being labelled or discriminated against by families, workplaces, and communities.

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Lack of awareness further complicates the issue, with many people failing to recognise early symptoms of mental illness as conditions requiring medical attention.

As a result, treatment is often delayed by months or even years.

Shortage of Mental Health Professionals a Key Challenge

Another major contributor to the treatment gap is the acute shortage of mental health professionals in India.

The limited number of psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric social workers, and mental health nurses restricts access to care, particularly in rural and underserved regions.

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Dr Nimesh G Desai, Chairperson of the Organising Committee and former Director of the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, warned that delayed or absent treatment often leads to worsening illness.

He said untreated mental disorders can become chronic, increasing disability, family distress, productivity loss, and the risk of self-harm and suicide.

Call for Community-Based and Primary Care Integration

Dr Desai emphasised that mental health must receive the same urgency as physical health. He called for strengthening community-based services, training primary care doctors, and improving referral systems to reduce the treatment gap.

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Echoing this view, Dr Deepak Raheja, Organising Secretary of ANCIPS Delhi and Director of Hope Care India, said urgent measures are needed to expand the mental health workforce, increase budgetary support, and integrate mental healthcare into primary health services.

He added that sustained nationwide awareness campaigns are critical to reducing stigma and improving access.

Vulnerable Groups Face Severe Impact

The burden of untreated mental illness is especially heavy among vulnerable populations.

Studies indicate that nearly 80 per cent of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental disorders in some regions receive no treatment, affecting their education, emotional development, and long-term prospects.

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Older adults are also at high risk, with close to 84 per cent of elderly individuals with mental health conditions remaining untreated.

Experts attribute this to neglect, social isolation, lack of awareness, and the misconception that psychological distress is a normal part of ageing.

ANCIPS 2026 to Focus on Solutions

Speakers said ANCIPS 2026 will serve as a crucial platform for mental health professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to develop practical, evidence-based strategies to improve access, affordability, and acceptance of mental healthcare.

The overarching goal, they said, is to ensure that no individual is denied mental health support due to stigma, fear, or lack of resources.

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