Ravimal Galappaththi
National Institute of Mental Health, Sri Lanka
Title: Frequency of major mental illness among the referrals to GBV unit of a psychiatric tertiary referral centre in Sri Lanka
Biography
Biography: Ravimal Galappaththi
Abstract
Introduction IPV is a major public health challenge in Sri Lanka. It can trigger mental illness in vulnerable and mental illness can result in IPV. Studies on association of mental illness and IPV are scarce in Sri Lankan and South East Asian settings. Purpose Identify association of Mental Illness and IPV in Sri Lankan setting. Methods Survey Analysis of heath records of Gender Based Violence Unit (GBV) at NIMH, Angoda. Two independent medical and nursing reviewers analysed all referrals since the inception of the unit in 2012. Results Total of 853 clients referred showed 45.6% had an ICD/DSM diagnosis of mental illness, out of which 32% had unipolar depression, 15.9% schizophrenia, 13.8% bipolar illness, 10% substance use disorders, 5.9% neurosis/PTSD, 6.9% delusional dis. jealous type, 6.9% adjustment dis, 2, 5% post natal MI and 2.5% personality disorders respectively. 50.9% did not have a mental illness as per ICD/DSM criteria. 3.3% of the records could not be analysed effectively. Conclusions IPV shows a significant association with major mental illnesses. Therefore, health professionals play a key role in addressing IPV in this population Research Practice or Policy Implications Further studies are required to identify effective methods to intervene IPV in mentally ill population. It is also imperative to look in to how IPV would respond to effective treatment of mental illness. Policy should expand to allocate funding and establishment of GBV services in Sri Lankan health sector as a response to this emerging challenge.
