Article Title: Depression In Pakistan: An Epidemiological Critique
Author(s): Haider A. Naqvi
Institute(s): Department of Psychiatry, The Aga Khan University, P.O. Box 3500, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800.
Journal: Journal of Pakistan Psychiatric Society, 2007, Vol. 4, No. 1, p. 10–14
Correspondence Address: Tel: 493 0051 ext 4692. Fax: 493 4294
Abstract
The epidemiological studies from Pakistan have given rise conflicting findings. Besides very high prevalence in different studies, rates from Northern Pakistan are much different from big urban centre such as Karachi. If the findings of these studies are to be taken at face value than every third Pakistani is expected to be suffering from depression and Anxiety. Obviously this has serious implications for the country’s mental health care scenario. There are design, sampling and methodological issues which needs to be revisited. This review aims to This review presents a critique, from an epidemiological perspective, on studies carried out in Pakistan on estimating rates and risk factors of depression. It is expected that this critique will serve to enhance awareness on research methods in psychiatry and suggest future directions for research in this important area.
Key words: Depression, Psychiatric Epidemiology, Pakistan.
