Friday, December 7, 2012

mental disorders in Cambodia

MENTAL health infrastructure is "critically deficient" in Cambodia
where "alarming" rates of trauma-related mental disorders have been
documented, a report released in Phnom Penh has found.

The responsibility of caring for those with mental health problems,
particularly in severe cases, quickly overwhelms families, experts
from the Leitner Centre for International Law and Justice at Fordham
Law School in New York reported in the study.

That frustration extends to family members chaining up or locking in
cages from 10 per cent to 40 per cent of those with severe mental
disabilities, the study said, citing estimates by mental health
professionals.

One mother said she "locked her daughter in a bamboo cage for several
years" before professionals provided treatment for her psychosis.
The report also noted that patient numbers also overwhelmed mental
health workers. In 2010, Cambodia had around 35 trained psychiatrists
and 45 psychiatric nurses catering to a population of close to 15
million, it said.

"Despite notable progress, Cambodia's mental health infrastructure
remains critically deficient given the scope of mental health needs it
is called upon to address," the study said.

It recommended introduction of more community-based care and an
increase in financial resources allotted to the mental health sector.
A non-governmental organisation, the Transcultural Psychosocial
Organisation Cambodia, launched a scheme on Friday to train volunteers
to provide support and information to those who might be suffering
mental health problems.

Studies have found high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder among
Cambodians who survived decades of unrest and the 1975-79 Khmer Rouge
regime.

Up to two million people died from execution, disease, starvation and
overwork during the Communist regime's rule.

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/world/high-rates-of-trauma-disorders-in-cambodia