A STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE REGARDING ELECTRO CONVULSIVE THERAPY AMONG GENERAL PUBLIC IN INDORE, MADHYA PRADESH

Abstract

Mental health is an integral and essential component of health; indeed, there is no health without mental health. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. The WHO describes mental health as "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community". Mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.

A mental disorder, also called a mental illness or psychiatric disorder is a behavioural or mental pattern that causes significant distress or impairment of personal functioning. Mental illness has a long history of being stigmatized in societies around the globe. Mental illness is surrounded by ignorance, superstition and feeling of fear among the public. Many patients suffering with mental illness are often taken to different religious places and healers before coming for treatment to a mental health hospital.