Beijing Daily News reports that a survey from Beijing municipal government, part of a broader investigation into mental health, finds about 20% of city residents living in a 'sub-healthy' mental condition. Furthermore, it indicates that there are only 3 public organizations supplying mental consultation to this group.
In recent years, it claims, about 70%-80% of hospital out-patients are sufferers of mental and social disorders. A figure of 130,000 is stated for the number of people with serious mental disorders.
Of the 20% described as mentally 'sub-healthy', 3% have emotional handicaps and 5% are depressed. Because of the aging of Beijing's population, many of the problems relating to mental health have become increasingly grave. The rate of 'serious mental disorder' among the over-60s is estimated at 21.48%.
Currently, there are few services soothing such problems. Only three first class hospitals offer psychiatric consultation. And while various private companies do exist, many cannot afford such high fees as 200 yuan per hour.
In addition, there remains a widespread lack of knowledge regarding the existence of outpatient services. |
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