Publication:

Role of faith healers in the treatment of severe mental illness in India

Background The cultural diversity has influenced the beliefs of people regarding health and illness. An aim of the study was to assess the role of faith healers in the treatment of severe mental illness.

Methods It is a retrospective cross-sectional study with convenience sampling technique was used, on 123 caregivers of patients with severe mental illnesses using standardized tools like MINI, BPRS, and YMRS.

Results 41.5% participants firstly contacted faith healer while 86% visited faith healer anytime during the course of illness. 47.2% took treatment from faith healer for <6 months, 21.1% took 6-12 months and 17.9% more than 13 months. 22.8% circulated between faith healer to faith healer, 18.7% from psychiatrist to faith healer and 27.6% from medical professional to faith healer.

Conclusions There is an immense need to create awareness regarding mental illness and treatment options available.