The number of patients in Thailand with major depressive disorder (MDD) has risen 12% in the past three years, says the Public Health Ministry's health information centre.
The figure has prompted the Department of Mental Health (DMH) to open new psychiatric wards in 30 hospitals nationwide.
DMH director-general Dr Amporn Benjaponpitak said the trend corresponds to the global situation affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2019, there were 30,247 MDD patients in the country but the number shot up to 33,891 last year, according to figures gathered from 20 mental hospitals. This does not include other types of mental illness such as schizophrenia or mental issues due to drug abuse, she said.
"We will open 30 more mental clinics in hospitals nationwide soon,'' she said.
Dr Amporn said the department has visited communities to screen patients at risk of depression. It also proposed the National Health Security Office (NHSO) add medications for mental illness to the national drug list and have these treatments included in the universal health care scheme.
"Thailand has 325 clinical psychiatrists working in public hospitals under the Public Health Ministry. There are also 2,838 psychiatric nurses and clinical therapists. The number of psychiatric staff is considered high compared to neighbouring countries," said Dr Amporn.
Meanwhile, NHSO secretary-general Dr Jadej Thammatacharee said the government allocated 73.62 million baht for treating patients who have long-term psychotic disorders including schizophrenia, in its 2023 fiscal year budget starting Oct 1. He said this group of patients increased from 8,300 in 2016 to 10,341 in 2021.
He said the government will take care of the patients to help ease the burden on their families. For those who feel stressed or depressed, he suggested they call the Mental Health Hotline on 1323. The service is available 24 hours.