Iranian Scientific Association of Psychotherapy warns about the increase in mental disorders

The Iranian Scientific Association of Psychiatry has sent a letter to the Minister of Health, citing the increase in cases of mental disorders in the country, calling for "taking the necessary decisions and taking necessary measures."

The Iranian Scientific Association of Psychiatry has warned in a letter to Bahram Einollahi, Minister of Health, about the consequences of mental disorders.

The association has cited "economic recession and rising unemployment, a sharp decline in household income, and intensifying economic inequality" as reasons for the increase in these disorders in Iranian society, and has called for necessary measures from the Ministry of Health.

The letter states that, in a situation where the poor and deprived segments of society have resorted to isolation and reduced social connections in the second consecutive year of the coronavirus outbreak, or have faced job loss and reduced income, and have also lost previous social support, the increasing trend of these disorders is obvious.

The letter calls "advocating for the improvement of social and economic conditions, considering its consequences on the health of society," one of the main duties of the Ministry of Health, and emphasizes that this institution should prioritize "mental health and attracting the participation of relevant scientific associations and societies."

The Iranian Scientific Association of Psychiatry has called on the Ministry of Health to "take the necessary decisions" to combat mental disorders and has called for "taking appropriate measures, making the necessary plans, and implementing and monitoring these programs."

Over the past two years, worsening economic conditions and the coronavirus pandemic have added to Iranians' woes and fueled depression across society. Many experts have warned of a decline in life expectancy and an increase in suicide attempts.

They expressed concern, pointing to the consequences of economic problems and the failure to contain the spread of the coronavirus in a timely manner, and expressed concern about mental disorders in the post-corona era, which will include wide segments of society.

Source: DW