Over 50,000 Kyrgyzstanis with Mental Disorders Officially Registered in the Republic
The latest data for the first half of 2024 reveals that approximately 50,292 individuals in Kyrgyzstan are registered as suffering from mental disorders. This information was shared by Gulnura Alimova, the head of the Consultative and Diagnostic Department at the Republican Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, with the 24.kg news agency.
Out of this total, there are 28,200 men, 22,000 women, 5,800 children under the age of 14, and 2,000 teenagers. During this six-month period, 1,122 individuals were registered as having a mental disorder for the first time.
Comparatively, there were 50,149 registered cases of mental disorders in 2023 and 54,500 in 2022.
Upon registration, patients are required to be continuously monitored by a doctor. Some mental illnesses can go into remission with appropriate therapy, leading to the removal of the individual from the registry by a medical commission. These individuals are then able to reintegrate into society, hold jobs, and lead normal lives.
Gulnura Alimova mentioned that in some rare cases, the diagnosis of a mental disorder can be removed. According to the law, patients have the right to request a re-examination within five years.
After receiving inpatient treatment, many patients continue their care on an outpatient basis at local health facilities. There are numerous psychiatrists available at family medicine centers, and in their absence, family doctors can prescribe necessary maintenance therapy medications.
Despite progress, there is still a prevalent stigma surrounding mental disorders in society. People with such diagnoses are often unfairly perceived as dangerous. However, statistics show that only a small percentage of individuals with mental disorders commit illegal acts.
World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10th, established in 1992 to raise awareness about mental illness, its causes, and treatment methods. It serves as a reminder that individuals with mental disorders deserve respect, support, and understanding.
