Delay in first psychiatric consultation and its reasons

ABSTRACT

Background:The proportion of the patients attending the psychiatric consultation, once the disorder is recognized islimited. Lack of adequate knowledge regarding mental illnesses and help seeking attitude from other methodslike faith healers, priests are the common reasons for delay in psychiatric consultation. This delay has areasonable effect on the prognosis of the illness.Aim:To study the delay and reasons for the delay in first psychiatric consultation, and their relation to socio-demographic variables.Methods:A semi structured interview containing socio demographic variables and the reasons for delay is used toassess the patients attending psychiatric outpatient department of Mamata General Hospital. The diagnosiswas made according to ICD-10 diagnostic criteria.Results:Out of 100 patients assessed in the study, the most common reasons for delay in psychiatric consultation wereignorance about the illness, belief in magical and religious methods. Stigma towards psychiatric illnesses,financial problems, caregivers' education also influence the delay duration.Conclusion:This study emphasizes the need for awareness in the population regarding psychiatric disorders for a betteroutcome of the illness.