Improving mental healthcare
A COUNTRY’S socioeconomic challenges and the risk of ill mental health among the population are closely related. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is a benefit-cost ratio of…
The ‘disorder doctrine’
Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office in January with immense popular support, promising world peace and a return to America’s glorious past. Yet, just over 100 days later, his…
Beyond personality disorders
WHAT is the source of Pakistan’s political instability? The answer varies depending on who one asks and what their political affiliation may be. But there is one thing that everyone…
Mental cost of social media
When joke becomes a reality—a cartoon on a person sitting in an addiction treatment clinic. The doctor is asking him what is he addicted to alcohol or drugs? He replies,…
Mental health and justice
FORENSIC psychiatry, the nexus between psychology and law, has undergone a transformation within Pakistan’s judicial system. Arising from the foundations set by the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860, and the Criminal…
Mental illness during Covid-19
IN my last column on the physical health of those with mental illness, I talked about evidence that showed people with mental illness had higher physical morbidity and early mortality as compared…
Floods and mental health
THE theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day, which falls on Monday (Oct 10), is ‘Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority’. For Pakistan, the theme…
Mental health peril
PAKISTANIS are rightfully upset at US President Joe Biden’s categorisation of their country as “one of the most dangerous nations in the world”. Perhaps our ire would be less if…
Physical health of mentally ill
“Our bodies are gardens to the which our wills are gardeners.” — William Shakespeare READERS might find it surprising to know that people with mental illness live less long than…
Right to mental health
IN a promising move last week, the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), in collaboration with Taskeen Health initiative, UNFPA and British Asian Trust launched a thoughtful Malpractice in Mental…
