Myths & Facts About Mental Illness

Over 95% of psychiatric illness in Pakistan is depression, anxiety and stress-related conditions. Most people you know with a diagnosis are working, parenting and functioning. You would not be able to pick them out.

Depression involves measurable changes in brain function, sleep architecture and stress hormones. Faith can be a genuine source of strength and we would never suggest otherwise—but it is not a substitute for treatment, any more than it is a substitute for insulin.

Most antidepressants are not addictive. Many patients take them for a defined period and stop under supervision. Some medicines do carry dependence risk, which is precisely why they should be prescribed and monitored by a specialist rather than obtained over a counter.

Structured psychotherapies like CBT have decades of clinical trial evidence behind them. For mild to moderate depression and anxiety they perform comparably to medication for many people.

Your clinical information is confidential. What is discussed in our rooms stays in our rooms.

ADHD is the commonest child psychiatric diagnosis in Pakistan. In Karachi, the average child reaches developmental assessment at five and a half years—years after intervention is most effective. Difficult behaviour is worth assessing, not punishing.

The highest burden of psychiatric illness in Pakistan is in the 50-59 age group—people carrying children, parents, jobs and often chronic physical illness simultaneously. Load causes illness. Strength does not prevent it.

One in three Pakistani adults is currently affected. Someone in your family has it. They may simply never have said so.