Emergencies in Psychiatry in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

There is a need to not only understand psychiatric emergencies in low- and middle-income countries but also to formulate logical and acceptable forms of intervention. This book gives the reader an overview of the kinds of psychiatric emergencies that can occur and the strategies employed to manage these in developing countries. The book covers anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, substance abuse disorders, grief, suicidal behaviour and psychiatric emergencies following disasters. It also deals with special population groups, such as women, children and the elderly, who require different modes of intervention.

LAKSHMI VIJAYAKUMAR is Founder Trustee, SNEHA, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Sneha has been working in the field of suicide intervention for the past 25 years. Sneha extends emotional support to the depressed, desperate and suicidal when they feel there is no one to turn to. They need someone with whom they can share their pain and misery in confidence; someone who would listen, understand and accept them unconditionally.

R. THARA is Director, Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. SCARF is one of the very few NGOs in the world to be named as a Collaborating Centre of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Mental Health Research and Training. SCARF is also the Indian co-ordinating site for the anti-stigma programme of the World Psychiatric Association.