25th MANIPSYCON highlights rising PTSD cases amid crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 01 2025: The Indian Psychiatric Association (IPA), Manipur State Branch, organised its 25th annual conference, MANIPSYCON 2025, under the theme "The Future of Psychiatry: Psychiatry in a Changing World," at the JNIMS auditorium on Saturday.

IPA, Manipur State Branch president, Prof K Shantibala Devi, who presided over the function, highlighted the alarming rise in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since the crisis that began on May 3, 2023.She stated that the crisis has impacted people both directly and indirectly, leading to socio-economic distress and law-and-order challenges.

Data collected from relief camps, hospital OPDs, and clinics indicate an increasing trend in PTSD cases, with a comprehensive report currently being compiled.

Emphasising the need for proper planning and intervention, she stressed the importance of timely identification and therapy for affected individuals, especially in light of the growing influence of modern technology.

She noted that the increasing trend of PTSD is not limited to Manipur but is a global phenomenon linked to modernisation, lifestyle changes, environmental shifts, climate change, and natural disasters.

Additionally, she pointed out that domestic and workplace conflicts are also contributing to stress, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders.

Prof Shantibala further informed that the IPA, Manipur State Branch, was established in 2000 when there were only five psychiatrists in the state.

Today, the number has grown to around 40 psychiatrists, with the association comprising 99 members.

The conference also discussed issues and challenges faced by psychiatrists, including workforce shortages, government policies, and ways to utilise the increasing awareness of mental health among the public to effectively address these concerns.

JNIMS director Prof L Usharani Devi attended the conference as the chief guest, while JNIMS medical superintendent Prof Kh Lokeshwar, and former head of the Psychiatry departments at RIMS and JNIMS, Prof S Gyaneshwar Sharma, attended as guests of honour.

During the event, the MANIPSY-CON Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 was presented Prof RK Lenin for his significant contributions to the field of psychiatry.

Comment