This book tackles the issue of mental health legislation in South Asia. The first of its kind, it addresses an issue that is necessary for protecting the rights of people with mental disorders and serves as an essential text for reinforcing mental health policy in South Asia. it is a timely addition to our global understanding of mental health and how different regions address it.Asia is by far the largest continent in the world in terms of area with population exceeding 3.5 billion and has dozens of cultures, religions, languages and ethnic groups. As a result of its highly varied political systems, Asia also spawns a wide variety of health care systems including mental health care systems, often based on historical roots and at times colonial heritages. The people who suffer from mental or neurological disorders in the continent form a vulnerable section of society and often face stigma, discrimination and marginalization in all societies, and this increases the likelihood that their human rights will be violated

Zusammenfassung
Asia is by far the largest continent in the world in terms of area with population exceeding 3.5 billion and has dozens of cultures, religions, languages and ethnic groups. As a result of its highly varied political systems, Asia also spawns a wide variety of health care systems including mental health care systems, often based on historical roots and at times colonial heritages. The people who suffer from mental or neurological disorders in the continent form a vulnerable section of society and often face stigma, discrimination and marginalization in all societies, and this increases the likelihood that their human rights will be violated This book tackles the issue of mental health legislation in South Asia. The first of its kind, it addresses an issue that is necessary for protecting the rights of people with mental disorders and serves as an essential text for reinforcing mental health policy in South Asia. It is a timely addition to our global understanding of mental health and how different regions address it.

Inhalt

Section I- Mental health legislation 1. Mental Health Legislation: comparison of South Asian and Western Countries. 2. Mental Health Legislation in South Asian Countries: short comings and possible solutions . 3. Mental Health Legislation- does it facilitate or hinder mental health care in countries of South Asia. 4. Mental Health Legislation: How to implement in South Asian Countries? 5. Evaluation of Mental Health Legislation in South Asian Countries: Are we still living in the past ? Section II- Ethical issues 1. Ethics and psychiatry: East Vs West 2. Human rights and psychiatry in South Asia 3. Ethical dilemmas as related to psychiatry of future in South Asia 4. Ethical handling of religious and spiritual issues: South Asian perspective 5. Ethics and law: Common concerns yet different perspectives- Overview of South Asia 6. Ethics in research and practice: Issues relevant to South Asia Section III- Resources & Opportunities a.) Mental Health Program & Policies (their current status and future prospects) 1. Programs of mental health & policies in South Asia: Origin and current status 2. Programs of mental health & policies in South Asia: Opportunities and obstacles b) Community Psychiatry 1. Story of mental health program at community level in South Asian countries 2. Survey of mental health resources available in South Asia 3. East Vs west: Difference beyond resources 4. Allied mental health professionals: Clinical psychology, Psychiatric nursing and psychiatric social workers- availability and competency 5. Private sector psychiatry: What it has to offer to mentally ill persons in South Asia? 6. NGO and psychiatry: What help they offer? 7. Road map for the future: What is needed in the region? 8. What West has to offer to East: Policy, practice and vision ?