Worrisome? One in 20 Indians suffers from depression

In our country, depression isn’t given much of the importance in the public health system as it has infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and dengue as well as non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

However, if a survey by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Bengaluru is to be believed, every 20 Indians suffered from some form of depression. The prevalence of depression across the world has increased to such an extent that it's the theme for the World Health Organisation's World Health Day on April 7.

According to NIMHANS director Dr B N Gangadhar, the increase in prescriptions could also be an indication of the increasing number of psychiatrists in India.

"There is no doubt that people are more open than before to seek help for depression, but a 14% rise in prescriptions could also mean there are more psychiatrists today than before," Dr Gangadhar told ET.