New Delhi: Over four out of five Indians suffering from psychiatric disorders do not receive timely or adequate treatment, leaving millions to cope without professional care, Indian Psychiatric Society warned on Saturday, flagging one of the widest mental health treatment gaps in the world.The concern was raised at the curtain-raiser of the 77th annual national conference of the society, scheduled to be held from Jan 28 to 31 at Yashobhoomi in the city.Experts at the society said nearly 80-85% of the people with mental illness in India remained outside the formal healthcare system, despite advances in treatment and growing awareness. National Mental Health Survey shows that over 85% of Indians with common mental disorders do not seek or receive treatment. Globally, more than 70% of people with mental illness lack access to trained care, but experts said India’s vast population and limited mental health infrastructure made the challenge particularly acute.“Mental illnesses are among the most treatable health conditions if identified early,” said Dr Savita Malhotra, the president of the society. “Yet the fact that over 80% of the patients do not receive timely psychiatric care reflects deep-rooted stigma, lack of awareness and inadequate integration of mental health into primary healthcare. This is not just a medical issue —it is a social, economic and developmental crisis.“Experts said delays in seeking psychiatric care often stretched from months to years, driven by fear of stigma, social judgment and the tendency to dismiss symptoms as stress or personal weakness. These barriers are compounded by an acute shortage of mental health professionals, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.Dr Nimesh G Desai, chairperson of the organising committee and former director of Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences, said delayed or absent treatment often led to chronic illness, disability, family distress, loss of productivity, and increased risk of self-harm and suicide. He stressed the need to strengthen community-based services, train primary-care doctors and improve referral systems.The burden is particularly severe among vulnerable groups. Studies indicate that nearly 80% of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental disorders in some regions receive no treatment, affecting education and long-term outcomes. Among older adults, about 84% remain untreated, often due to neglect, isolation or the belief that psychological symptoms are a normal part of ageing.Experts said untreated mental illness fuelled substance abuse, unemployment, family breakdown and suicide, adding to India’s already high share of global suicide deaths. While initiatives such as the Tele-MANAS mental health helpline and expansion of District Mental Health Programme are positive steps, experts said these efforts must be scaled up substantially.Calling for urgent action, Dr Deepak Raheja, organising secretary of the conference, said the conference would provide a platform for clinicians, policymakers and stakeholders to develop evidence-based solutions. The society urged greater budgetary allocation, expansion of the mental health workforce, integration of services into primary healthcare and sustained nationwide awareness campaigns.As India continues to progress, mental health must be recognised as integral to overall health, the society emphasised.
