Surge in stress disorder cases in violence-hit South

By THE NATION

 

File photo: Yala province

 

THERE HAS been a significant increase in the number of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cases among residents of Thailand’s violence-prone southernmost provinces, the Department of Mental Health has reported.

According to a recent survey, PTSD cases in the deep South are about five times higher than in other parts of the country, with primary school children among the hardest-hit groups. 

 

More than 4,000 students are vulnerable to PTSD with those in Pattani recording the highest risk of 39 per cent, followed by students in Songkhla province where the risk is about 31 per cent.

 

Boonruang Triruangworawat, director-general of the department, said seven provinces – Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Satun, Phatthalung and Trang – are on the agency’s priority list of areas where residents are most vulnerable.

 

A previous survey showed that about 3.4 per cent of residents aged 18 and older in Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat had mental issues. The ratio is higher than the nationwide average of 3.2 per cent.

 

As a result, the department has trained personnel at community hospitals and primary healthcare units in vulnerable areas to provide professional help for those facing mental issues, with PTSD being the most common mental illness.

 

The focus is now on a total of 4,178 primary school children in 26 schools since they are mentally affected by the frequent violent incidents in the four southern provinces.

 

For students, special healthcare teams will help prepare them to better cope with violent incidents that may arise in their neighbourhood so they will recover sooner. In addition, there will be more specific screenings to identify those suffering from mental illness so that they can be treated at an early stage.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30327342

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-09-22

 

"among residents of Thailand’s violence-prone southernmost provinces"

 

Goodbye "restive", hello "violence prone".

 

Mr "Rebellious" is on his way.

 

Edited September 21, 20178 yr by Enoon

An anti Muslim post has been removed.

 

11) You will not post slurs, degrading or overly negative comments directed towards Thailand, specific locations, Thai institutions such as the judicial or law enforcement system, Thai culture, Thai people or any other group on the basis of race, nationality, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

7 hours ago, Enoon said:

 

"among residents of Thailand’s violence-prone southernmost provinces"

 

Goodbye "restive", hello "violence prone".

 

Mr "Rebellious" is on his way.

 

Reaching pandemic proportions.