Social Psychiatry in South Asia

This book focuses on the impact of social dimensions on the mental health of people living in the eight South Asian countries. The biopsychosocial approach has been well accepted and considered while formulating the risk factors and treatment strategy for mental disorders. It indicates the importance of social structure and social influence on mental health, psychiatric disorders, and treatment. The social determinants of mental health including social networks, culture, norms, socio-economic conditions, and healthcare systems in South Asia vary remarkably from the West. Also, societal changes under Western influence are noticeable in several sections leading to a change in the way people cope with adversities. Additionally, the political and economic instability in several countries poses additional challenges to mental health. The impact of social structure in South Asia on psychiatric disorders and vice-versa has not been adequately addressed yet, so this book seeks to address that. The book also takes a look at various new, state-run, social initiatives to advance mental health and manage mental illnesses.