New Delhi, Jan 3 (NationPress) Almost 80-85 percent of those experiencing psychiatric disorders fail to receive timely or suitable treatment due to stigma and insufficient awareness, as highlighted by mental health professionals on Saturday.

During the opening event of the 77th Annual National Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society, ANCIPS 2026 in Delhi, the specialists cautioned that despite progress in treatment options and growing consciousness, a significant number of individuals with mental illnesses remain outside the structured healthcare system.

They pointed out that mental health issues are among the most manageable health conditions when detected early and handled correctly.

“Mental disorders are very treatable; however, a large portion of patients in India continue to endure in silence. The statistic that over 80 percent of individuals do not obtain timely psychiatric assistance underscores profound stigma, lack of understanding, and inadequate integration of mental health services into primary healthcare,” stated Dr. Savita Malhotra, President of the Indian Psychiatric Society.

“This situation is not merely a medical issue; it encompasses social, economic, and developmental dimensions that urgently require national focus,” she emphasized.

According to data from the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), India grapples with one of the most significant treatment gaps globally, with over 85 percent of individuals suffering from prevalent mental disorders not seeking or obtaining treatment.

Globally, more than 70 percent of people with mental health conditions fail to receive care from qualified professionals, and in many low-income nations, fewer than 10 percent of those in need access the necessary treatment.

India, characterized by its large population and limited mental health resources, is particularly susceptible to this issue.

“When psychiatric care is postponed, the condition often escalates, resulting in greater disability, family distress, decreased productivity, and a significantly higher risk of self-harm and suicide. Mental health should be prioritized with the same urgency and seriousness as physical health,” remarked Dr. Nimesh G. Desai, former Director of the Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences (IHBAS).

“Enhancing community services, training primary care physicians, and refining referral systems are critical measures to close this unacceptable treatment gap,” he added.

Delayed treatment carries extensive ramifications not only for individuals and families but also for society and the economy. Untreated mental health issues contribute to increased morbidity and mortality, higher rates of substance misuse, unemployment, family disintegration, and suicide.

India already represents a substantial proportion of global suicide fatalities, making early detection and prompt psychiatric intervention a vital public health concern.

While government initiatives such as the Tele-MANAS national mental health helpline, expansion of the District Mental Health Programme, and increased policy attention on mental health are positive developments, the experts insisted that these initiatives must be significantly amplified to satisfy the rising demand.