Psychiatry in Peril: Need for a Paradigm Shift

Abstract This article addresses the growing concern of peril in psychiatry, emphasizing the urgency of recognizing and addressing the rising incidence of psychiatric disorders. It identifies the increase in misdiagnosis and mistreatment as critical contributors to this crisis. The discussion is structured around three primary lenses—epidemiological, diagnostic, and pharmacological—each shedding light on different aspects of the issue. A key focus is on epidemiological evidence, referencing a 2020 Lancet study that highlights the significant rise in mental health disorders in India from 1997 to 2017. The study reveals that one in seven Indians has been affected by mental illness, a situation worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The article calls for a deeper awareness of the root causes and the need for a paradigm shift in mental health care, urging improvements in diagnosis, treatment, and awareness to tackle this growing public health challenge.