New Delhi: The Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) has expressed serious concern over India’s persistently high mental health treatment gap, revealing that nearly 80–85 per cent of people suffering from psychiatric disorders do not receive timely or appropriate care.
The issue was highlighted during the curtain raiser of the 77th Annual National Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society (ANCIPS 2026), scheduled to be held from January 28–31 at Yashobhoomi, Delhi.
According to data from the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), India has one of the widest mental health treatment gaps globally, with over 85 per cent of individuals with common mental disorders not seeking or receiving treatment. Globally, more than 70 per cent of people with mental illness remain untreated, and in low-income countries, access can be as low as 10 per cent.
Stigma, Awareness Gaps, and Workforce Shortage
IPS President Dr Savita Malhotra stressed that mental illnesses are among the most treatable health conditions when identified early, yet most patients continue to suffer silently.
“The fact that over 80 per cent of people do not receive timely psychiatric care reflects deep-rooted stigma, lack of awareness, and inadequate integration of mental health services into primary healthcare. This is not just a medical issue—it is social, economic and developmental,” she said.
Experts pointed to social stigma, fear of discrimination, and poor recognition of early symptoms as major reasons for delayed care—often extending to months or even years. An acute shortage of mental health professionals further worsens access.
Severe Consequences of Delayed Care
Dr Nimesh G Desai, Chairperson of the ANCIPS Organising Committee and former Director of IHBAS, warned that untreated mental illness often becomes severe and chronic, leading to disability, family distress, productivity loss, and a higher risk of self-harm and suicide.
“Mental health must be treated with the same urgency as physical health. Strengthening community services, training primary care doctors and improving referral systems are critical,” he said.
Vulnerable Groups Most Affected
The burden is especially high among:
- Children and adolescents: Nearly 80 per cent with diagnosable disorders remain untreated in some regions
- Older adults: About 84 per cent with mental health conditions receive no care, often due to neglect or misconceptions that symptoms are part of ageing
Untreated mental illness contributes to substance abuse, unemployment, family breakdown, and increased mortality, experts noted.
Way Forward
While initiatives such as Tele-MANAS, expansion of the District Mental Health Programme, and increased policy focus are positive steps, IPS leaders stressed the need for significant scaling up.
Dr Deepak Raheja, Organising Secretary of ANCIPS 2026 Delhi, said the conference will focus on integrating mental health into primary care, increasing budgetary support, expanding the workforce, and running sustained awareness campaigns.
“Our goal is to ensure that no one is denied mental healthcare due to fear, stigma or lack of resources,” he said.
The IPS reiterated that mental health must be recognised as an integral part of overall health, deserving the same priority, investment and urgency as physical healthcare.
