Manipal Academy of Higher Education Researcher Adds New Study Findings to Research in Mental Health Diseases and Conditions (Exploring barriers to seek mental health services among patients with severe mental illness and their caregivers in a...).

A recent study conducted in Karnataka, India, explored the barriers to seeking mental healthcare among individuals with severe mental illness and their caregivers. The study identified three major themes of barriers: service-related factors, societal-related factors, and illness-related factors. Service-related factors included affordability, accessibility, and noncoverage under insurance schemes. Societal-related factors included social stigma and discrimination, lack of mental health service knowledge, and poor social support. Illness-related factors included poor insight into the illness and lack of relief from symptoms despite medication. The researchers concluded that identifying these barriers will help improve mental health service delivery. [Extracted from the article]