Atiqul Haq Mazumder

Arafat, S. M. Y. & Mazumder, A. H. (2025). National Mental Health Report of Bangladesh. Accepted to be published on December 2025 issue of Asian Journal of Psychiatry.

Original article in an international peer-reviewed journal as the first author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

4.5

5-year Impact Factor:

4.6

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/11737

Abstract:

Background

Bangladesh faces a critical public health challenge regarding mental health, characterized by a vast treatment gap exceeding 90% and a population of approximately 170 million underserved by existing infrastructure. This report provides a comprehensive situation analysis of the mental health system in Bangladesh, evaluating workforce capacity, educational frameworks, legal policies, and service delivery structures.

Methods

Data were synthesized from national surveys, government reports, and existing literature to assess the current status of mental health governance, human resources, and accessibility. Key domains analyzed include the distribution of professionals, the efficacy of the Mental Health Act (2018) and National Mental Health Policy (2022), and the impact of external factors such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

The findings reveal a severe shortage of human resources, with approximately 0.17 psychiatrists and 0.35 psychologists per 100,000 population, heavily concentrated in urban centers. Psychiatric education at the undergraduate level is limited compared to regional standards, restricting the general medical workforce's capacity to manage mental disorders. While the legislative framework has been modernized to protect patient rights and promote service expansion, implementation is stifled by chronic underfunding, with less than 0.5% of the national health budget allocated to mental health. Consequently, the service delivery model remains hospital-centric, leaving the majority of the rural population reliant on informal and traditional healers.

Conclusion

Despite high political will and the adoption of a strategic plan for 2020–2030, systemic barriers persist. Addressing the mental health crisis in Bangladesh requires urgent prioritization of primary care integration, substantial increase in budgetary allocation, and robust community awareness programs to combat stigma and reduce the reliance on non-evidence-based traditional practices.

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Review article in an International peer-reviewed journal as the sole author.

2yr mean citedness:

0.474

H-index: 

2

I10-index: 

1

https://openalex.org/works?page=1&filter=primary_location.source.id:s4387289091

Abstract:

This review provides a critical assessment of "Current Perspectives on Substance Use Disorders in South Asia" (Arafat & Kar, 2024). The appraisal employs a chapter-by-chapter analysis to evaluate the book's contributions and limitations for academics, clinicians, and policymakers. The review identifies the volume's principal strengths in its comprehensive, multidisciplinary scope, offering detailed epidemiological data and culturally sensitive contextualization of substance use across the region. It effectively documents national trends, service infrastructures, and policy frameworks. However, the critique also highlights significant weaknesses, including inconsistent analytical depth, a tendency toward description over critical evaluation, and a lack of focus on policy implementation and intervention outcomes. The review notes recurring gaps concerning gender-specific challenges, marginalized populations, and rigorous cross-country comparative analysis. It concludes that while the book is a valuable and foundational resource that successfully initiates a crucial regional dialogue, its impact is constrained by these analytical shortcomings. The volume serves as both an essential overview and a call to action for more nuanced, evidence-based, and implementation-focused approaches to tackling substance use disorders in South Asia.

Review article in an International peer-reviewed journal as the sole author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

0.8

5-year Impact Factor:

1.5

Abstract:

S. M. Yasir Arafat and Sujita Kumar Kar have undertaken a commendably ambitious task in their volume, Ecological and Social Determinants of Suicidal Behavior. This thoughtfully curated collection represents a significant contribution by assembling a diverse and multi-faceted exploration of the intricate factors underpinning suicide across twenty chapters. The authors eNectively map a vast terrain, ranging from established theoretical frameworks and socioeconomic pressures to increasingly critical contemporary in2uences like climate change and the pervasive digital landscape. This expansive scope provides an invaluable entry point for scholars, practitioners, and students seeking to grasp the considerable breadth of this vital public health domain. While positioned within the important “South Asian Perspectives” series, the volume’s analytical foundation leans noticeably on Western data, case studies, and theoretical applications. This geographical and cultural focus, combined with a tendency in some chapters towards descriptive reporting, occasionally presents findings without fully weaving them into a critically argued, cohesive narrative specific to the region. Consequently, while the book functions eNectively as a broad and informative overview, it sometimes leaves room for the deeper, regionally nuanced insights promised by its title – a point explored further in the detailed re2ections below. The authors have laid a substantial groundwork upon which future; more regionally focused syntheses can build.

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Book Chapter as the last author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

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5-year Impact Factor:

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Abstract:

The etiopathological explanations of psychiatric disorders shifted from the biological to the biopsychosocial model. However, social determinants of psychiatric disorders have been poorly researched in South Asian countries like Bangladesh. Social psychiatry is yet to be developed as a separate entity with a lack of specialized degrees and training. In the current chapter, we discuss various aspects of social psychiatry in Bangladesh like social epidemiology of mental illness, mental health literacy and stigma toward mental health, health-seeking behavior, community attitude toward mental health, disorders and treatment, substance abuse, culture-bound syndromes, different social determinants of mental illness, mass media representation of mental illness, somatization, social prescribing, the role of traditional healing practices and their integration with modern psychiatric care, challenges and opportunities in implementing community-based mental health interventions, Mental Health Act and social rights, suicidal behavior, and prison mental health. We presented it based on available evidence from Bangladesh and to some extent our personal experience.

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Book chapter as the last author.

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Bangladesh is one of the most populated countries in the world and caters to more than 15 million aged 60 years and above with a proportion of more than 9% of the total population. Among the age groups, psychiatric disorders were most prevalent in the geriatric age in Bangladesh. However, mental illness among this group remains under-diagnosed, and geriatric psychiatry is a neglected entity in the country. There is a lack of academic attention, research, and specialized mental health services for geriatric populations in Bangladesh. In this chapter, we discuss the proportion of the geriatric population, the burden of mental health problems among the elderly, available mental health services, existing programs and policies on geriatric mental health, available evidence and research gaps, enduring challenges, and ways ahead in Bangladesh.

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Review article in international peer reviewed journal as the last author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

2.1

5-year Impact Factor:

2.2

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/10378

Abstract:

Background: Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) has received global academic attention in the recent decades. However, little is known about NSSI behavior in Bangladesh.

Aims: We aimed to overview on NSSI in Bangladesh based on available evidencestudies.

Methods: We searched in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Google, and BanglaJOL to identify the research articles published on NSSI in Bangladesh with search terms. We included research articles with cross-sectional study design, studies assessing Bangladeshi citizens living in Bangladesh, and studies published in English language.

Results: Ten studies (cross-sectional 9, case-control 1) were included in this review published between 1984-2024 with sample sizes between 51 and 383. The majority of the studies (n=7) were conducted among clinical samples. Five studies included participants with only non-suicidal intents. The prevalence of NSSI was 17% among students and 40.2% among gay populations. Self-cutting (39%), and burning (26%) are the notable methods of NSSI among the patients of substance abuse. Family conflict, marital discord, premarital affair issues, extramarital relationship, adverse life events were the major psychosocial risk factors along with psychiatric disorders as biological risk factors.

Conclusions: This review identified the spectrum of research conducted on NSSI highlighting the socio-demography and risk factors in Bangladesh.

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Review article in international peer reviewed journal as the sole author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

1.7

5-year Impact Factor:

2.3

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/14575

Abstract:

Reviews the book, Suicide in Bangladesh: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention edited by S. M. Yasir Arafat and Murad M. Khan (see record 2024-24461-000). Suicide in Bangladesh provides a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted issue of suicide in Bangladesh in nine chapters. Overall, the book provides a comprehensive look at the multifaceted issue of suicide in Bangladesh, with each chapter offering valuable insights and recommendations. Common themes include the need for better data collection, more empirical research, and integrated, culturally sensitive approaches to prevention. The book is a significant contribution to understanding and addressing suicide in Bangladesh, and it provides a strong basis for key stakeholders to develop detailed implementation plans and practical strategies.

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Book chapter as the sole author.

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Abstract:

This chapter explores the epidemiology and burden of mental disorders in Bangladesh. It synthesizes the literature on the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of mental disorders in various segments of the population. The chapter reveals that mental disorders are common in Bangladesh, affecting about one-fifth of adults and one-eighth of children and adolescents. The most frequent disorders are depression and anxiety disorders. Women and urban dwellers are more vulnerable to mental illness. The COVID-19 pandemic has also worsened the mental health of young people. It discusses the legislative and strategic initiatives taken by the government and other actors to cope mental health burden. It concludes that a comprehensive understanding of the psychiatric burden and its implications in Bangladesh is still missing.

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Book chapter as an author other than first, second and last author.

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Community psychiatry is the practice of providing mental health services in the community rather than in long-term institutions. It aims to improve the quality of life and human rights of people with mental disorders or disabilities. Bangladesh faces many challenges in implementing effective and accessible community psychiatric services. These include a lack of resources, a high treatment gap, a low awareness, and a strong stigma. The country has recently adopted new policies and laws to promote community psychiatry, such as the Mental Health Act 2018 and the Mental Health Policy 2019. These policies emphasize a psychosocial approach, decentralization, and community participation. The country also plans to establish 18,000 community clinics to provide primary care services, including mental health screening, identification, and counseling. Moreover, some innovative initiatives have been launched, such as the “First Day-centers Meaningful Social Access for Persons with Mental Health Needs” project and telepsychiatry. These initiatives aim to provide comprehensive and holistic care to people with mental health needs in the community. However, more efforts are needed to overcome the existing barriers and gaps in community psychiatric services in Bangladesh.

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Book chapter as the second author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

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5-year Impact Factor:

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Abstract:

Being a densely populated country, Bangladesh contains about 15.7 million populations aged above 60 years making up about 9.3% of the population with an increased proportion over the decades. Mental disorders are prevalent among elderly adults in Bangladesh, particularly among those in rural and marginalized communities. Geriatric psychiatric disorders are frequently under-diagnosed due to a lack of awareness and a focus on physical health problems. In this chapter, we discuss the current status of the geriatric population, their proportion, and demography in Bangladesh. We discuss the available evidence determining the prevalence and burden of psychiatric disorders in old age in the country. We highlighted the available specialized services for geriatric psychiatry in the country. The unmet need in geriatric psychiatry is mounting. However, there is a dearth of research and holistic services for geriatric psychiatry. As an entity geriatric psychiatry is in a rudimentary state in Bangladesh with similar challenges of psychiatry and other branches of psychiatry in Bangladesh that warrant policy-level attention and implications.

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Book chapter as the last author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

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5-year Impact Factor:

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Abstract:

Bangladesh is an emerging economy in South Asia with the potential double burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Mental illness is one of the top fifth burdensome non-communicable diseases in the country. Historically, there is more than 90% of services gaps for mental health disorders. This chapter aims to discuss the current status, potential challenges, and ways out of mental health care access in Bangladesh. In the beginning, we discussed the historical aspect of mental health services in Bangladesh followed by a discussion on the epidemiology and services burden in the country. We discussed the potential challenges of access to mental health care like poor funds and inadequate research, inadequate and inequitable manpower, huge out-of-pocket expenses, poor mental health literacy, low income and income disparity, high stigma, enduring disorganized help-seeking patterns, non-judicious prescribing (poly-pharmacy) as the potential challenges. Finally, we speculated on the potential ways to cope with the challenges for better mental health care in Banglade…

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Original article in an international peer-reviewed journal as the first author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

3.5

5-year Impact Factor:

3.9

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/14207

Abstract:

Light and moderate alcohol use has been reported to be associated with both impaired and enhanced cognition. The purpose of this study was to explore whether there was a linear relationship between visual memory and alcohol consumption in males and females in a large middle-aged birth cohort population in cross-sectional and longitudinal settings. Data were collected from 5585 participants completing 31-year (1997–1998) and 46-year (2012–2014) follow-ups including Paired Associate Learning (PAL) test at 46-years follow-up. The participants were originally from 12,231 study population of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966). The PAL test was conducted to assess visual memory. Reported alcohol use was measured as total daily use of alcohol, beer, wine, and spirits converted into grams and as frequency and amount of use of beer, wine, and spirits. The total daily alcohol use was not associated with reduced visual memory. The frequency of use of beer and wine in males was associated with better visual memory in cross-sectional and longitudinal settings. Using six or more servings of spirits was associated with worse visual memory in males in cross-sectional and longitudinal settings. The study suggested a lack of a linear association between drinking and visual memory in the middle-aged population.

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Original article in an international peer-reviewed journal as an author other than first, second and last author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

3.6

5-year Impact Factor:

4

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/13586

Abstract:

Schizophrenia is characterized by cognitive impairment affecting everyday functioning. Earlier research has hypothesized that antidepressants may associate with better cognitive functioning, but results are mixed. This study explored the association between antidepressant use and cognitive performance in terms of reaction time and visual learning in a clinical sample. In addition, we examined benzodiazepine use and anticholinergic burden. Study participants were drawn from the SUPER-Finland cohort, collected among patients with psychotic illnesses in 2016–2018 throughout Finland (n = 10,410). The analysis included adults with a schizophrenia diagnosis (F20) and results from a cognitive assessment (n = 3365). Information about medications and psychosocial factors were gathered through questionnaire and interview. Cognitive performance was assessed with the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) with two subtests measuring reaction time and visual learning. Almost 36 % of participants used at least one antidepressant. The use of antidepressants in general was not associated with performance in the reaction time and visual learning tasks. However, the use of SNRI antidepressants was associated with a faster reaction time. Benzodiazepine use and a higher anticholinergic burden were associated with poorer performance in both tests. The results strengthen earlier findings that there is no association between antidepressant use in general and cognitive performance in schizophrenia. However, the association of SNRI medications with a faster reaction time warrants further research. Moreover, the results suggest that more attention should be paid to the anticholinergic burden of the medications used by patients with schizophrenia, as well as avoiding continuous benzodiazepine use.

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PhD thesis as the sole author.

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Abstract:

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between alcohol use, alcohol use disorder, and polygenic risk of alcohol use (PGS) and cognition in schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder. In addition, the association of alcohol use with cognition in the middle-aged birth cohort was investigated. Males and females were examined separately in each study section.

In the psychiatric section of the study, the population consisted of 10,417 participants in the SUPER (Finnish Study of the Hereditary Mechanisms of Psychotic Diseases) who had a clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder. In the birth cohort section, the participants were members of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966).

In the SUPER study, alcohol risk use was screened using the AUDIT-C questionnaire. The alcohol diagnosis was obtained from the health care notification register. PGS was calculated using the LDPred program. In the NFBC1966 birth cohort, alcohol consumption was calculated from the responses to the alcohol use survey. Cognition was assessed in the SUPER study using the reaction time (RT) test to measure reaction time and the Paired Association Learning (PAL) test to measure visual learning and memory. The measures of the RT test were median time and standard deviation, and in the PAL test, memory score and error score. The association of alcohol use with the RT test and the PAL test was analysed using log-linear regression and logistic regression. The association of hazardous drinking PGS with the RT test and the PAL test was analysed using log-linear regression, linear regression, and logistic regression. Only the PAL test was used in the NFBC1966 study.

Age, age of onset, educational attainment, household status (marital status), depressive symptoms, diet, and physical activity were used as covariates differently in different sub-studies.

The reported risky alcohol use was not associated with poorer cognition in schizophrenia patients and patients with schizoaffective disorder. Risky alcohol use was associated with a shorter reaction time (RT) in females. Alcohol use disorder was associated with a higher error rate in the PAL test in female patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. In female patients with bipolar disorder, risky alcohol use was associated with a shorter reaction time. Alcohol use disorder was associated with a higher error rate in the PAL test in female patients with bipolar disorder. PGS was not associated with reaction time (RT) or visual memory (PAL) in female or male patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder.

Alcohol use reported in the NFBC1966 dataset was not associated with impaired visual memory. In males, more wine consumption per week was associated with better visual memory, while a higher dose of strong alcohol was associated with poorer visual memory.

The observed gender-specific findings are of interest and require further investigation. The study of the association of reported alcohol use with cognition in psychotic patients was the first of its kind. The findings should be interpreted with caution and no clinical conclusions can be drawn until the results of the study can be replicated in other studies.

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Original article in an international peer-reviewed journal as the first author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

2.7

5-year Impact Factor:

3

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/15680

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to explore the association of cognition with hazardous drinking Polygenic Scores (PGS) in 2649 schizophrenia, 558 schizoaffective disorder, and 1125 bipolar disorder patients in Finland. Hazardous drinking PGS was computed using the LDPred program. Participants performed two computerized tasks from the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Battery (CANTAB) on a tablet computer: the 5-choice serial reaction time task, or Reaction Time (RT) test, and the Paired Associative Learning (PAL) test. The association between hazardous drinking PGS and cognition was measured using four cognition variables. Log-linear regression was used in Reaction Time (RT) assessment, and logistic regression was used in PAL assessment. All analyses were conducted separately for males and females. After adjustment of age, age of onset, education, household pattern, and depressive symptoms, hazardous drinking PGS was not associated with reaction time or visual memory in male or female patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective, and bipolar disorder.

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Original article in an international peer-reviewed journal as the first author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

2.7

5-year Impact Factor:

3

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/15680

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to explore the association of cognition with hazardous drinking and alcohol-related disorder in persons with bipolar disorder (BD). The study population included 1268 persons from Finland with bipolar disorder. Alcohol use was assessed through hazardous drinking and alcohol-related disorder including alcohol use disorder (AUD). Hazardous drinking was screened with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for Consumption (AUDIT-C) screening tool. Alcohol-related disorder diagnoses were obtained from the national registrar data. Participants performed two computerized tasks from the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Battery (CANTAB) on A tablet computer: the 5-choice serial reaction time task, or reaction time (RT) test and the Paired Associative Learning (PAL) test. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Mental Health Inventory with five items (MHI-5). However, no assessment of current manic symptoms was available. Association between RT-test and alcohol use was analyzed with log-linear regression, and eβ with 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported. PAL first trial memory score was analyzed with linear regression, and β with 95% CI are reported. PAL total errors adjusted was analyzed with logistic regression and odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI are reported. After adjustment of age, education, housing status and depression, hazardous drinking was associated with lower median and less variable RT in females while AUD was associated with a poorer PAL test performance in terms of the total errors adjusted scores in females. Our findings of positive associations between alcohol use and cognition in persons with bipolar disorder are difficult to explain because of the methodological flaw of not being able to separately assess only participants in euthymic phase.

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Original article in an international peer-reviewed journal as the first author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

2.7

5-year Impact Factor:

3

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/15680

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to explore the association between cognition and hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorder in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Cognition is more or less compromised in schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder and alcohol use might aggravate this phenomenon. The study population included 3362 individuals from Finland with diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Hazardous drinking was screened with the AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for Consumption) screening tool. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) diagnoses were obtained from national registrar data. Participants performed two computerized tasks from the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Battery (CANTAB) on a tablet computer: The Five-Choice Serial Reaction Time Task (5-CSRTT) or the reaction time (RT) test and the Paired Associative Learning (PAL) test. The association between alcohol use and the RT and PAL tests was analyzed with log-linear regression and logistic regression, respectively. After adjustment for age, education, housing status, and the age at which the respondents had their first psychotic episodes, hazardous drinking was associated with a lower median RT in females and less variable RT in males, while AUD was associated with a poorer PAL test performance in terms of the total errors adjusted scores (TEASs) in females. Our findings of positive associations between alcohol and cognition in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are unique.

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Original article in a peer-reviewed national journal as the last author.

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Introduction: Drug addiction is a social curse involving all classes of people for ages. Not only it increases individuals morbidity and mortality but also creates social unrest and reduces the national productivity frequent assessment surveys have provided insights into the pattern and required responses.

Objectives: To assess the sociodemographic profile of drug addicts admitted in a prominent drugs deaddiction centre of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study carried out on 158 admitted patients in Thikana Psychiatric/ Drug de-addiction clinic, from October 2014 to September 2015. A predesigned questionnaire used in evaluating the patients by two or more sittings face-to-face interviews.

Results: Amongst 158 patients, 94.30% were male and 62.0% were in the age group of 21-30 years with a mean age of 26.46 + 6.168 years. Majority (60.8%) patients were married and 48.7% had education up to higher secondary level, 29.1% were unemployed and 27.2% students. About 36.7% were spending between 101- 500 Taka/day and 65.8% arrange money for drugs by themselves. The reason behind starting drug abuse was mainly peer pressure (49.4%) followed by curiosity (26.6%). The mean age of starting drug was 19.42 + 7.68 years and 68.35% were addicted to the drug for the period between 1-5 years. Only 4.4% had positive family history of drug abuse. Regarding route of drug abuse, ingestion was most popular (55.1%) and only 8.9% participants were using injectable route. Amongst abused drugs, Amphetamine (Yaba) was most popular among the female (77.7%) and students (21.5%).

Conclusion: Drug abuse cripples the individual, the family, the society and finally the nation. Since younger generations most affected by the drug abuse, it is prudent to evolve and apply preventive, curative and rehabilitative strategies before it is too late.

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Conference proceeding in an international conference as the last author.

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Nowadays we are taking care of uncertainty and stress due to Current situation of the pandemic. Our confusion, queries and uncleanness about COVID 19 sometimes makes us unstable, insecure, dubiousness, etc. Bangladesh Government has taken necessary steps to control this situation and close all the schools till further notice. This article is embracing current educational systems in Bangladesh, its effect on mental health, challenges and overcoming solutions. Government and Private schools have already started their online classes. Online schools definitely help students to continue their education at home, keep students busy in these pandemic circumstances, helps them to share their feelings with students and teachers. An emotional bonding has been created between teachers and students and this new learning has simply given education a new lease of life. On the other hand teachers, with new ideas, make the classroom much more enjoyable for the students. However it lessens a gap in learning process but still faces lots of challenges. Most often it is difficult for teachers to touch every student in the class, in rural areas sometimes it is hard to get internet connection, children under 7 years old does not want to seat in front of a computer for more than one hour, children under 10 years need help from parents to operate computer or mobile, working parents feel problem to adjust online class schedule with their own, zoom, google class room is new for many students and parents which create trouble to attend class at proper time, and a portion of students and parents do not have smart mobile phone and computer. Few teachers are trained about this online teaching, Lack of training of teachers and less innovative ideas often make lessons less effective. It is painful for parents to pay fees regularly who lose their job due to COVID 19. On the other side of the coin is that a number of teachers are not getting full salary which often makes teaching less useful. Prolonged lockdown and significant changes to our daily lives may cause Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, etc. Students, teachers, and parents any one can suffer from Mental Disorder. They are also prone to develop behavioral problems such as irritability, restlessness, palpitation, sleeping and eating problem, sudden violent and aggressive behavior, fear of dying, pain on multiple sites of the body, etc. Occasionally student’s complaint of somatic problem such as headache, body ache, breathlessness, tiredness, etc. It happens due to extended lockdown, detachment from friends and non-availability of the market and playground. We always give attention to physical problem but mental health issues are also important for a productive functional life. Teachers should put some innovative ideas to make the online teaching more interesting such as regular meeting with parents, adding some audiovisual aid such as films, poster, video, allow students to play some useful games during class and take regular feedback from the students. Parents also can play an important role during this critical situation. They can also help their children to adjust with this situation. If students make themselves busy with some household works, maintain connection with friends by mobile phone and social media they can easily tackle this situation. We need to encourage and give attention to each other to overcome this situation. A great team work is highly encouraged to overcome our all challenges including technological issue. By this way we will be able to establish not only a comfort environment for both teachers and students but also can develop some active learners.

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Brief-review in a non-peer-reviewed online repository as the second author.

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During disease outbreaks, people are often labelled, stereotyped, discriminated against, treated separately, and/or experience loss of status because of a perceived link with a disease. Ever since the situation surfaced, various media reports have shown that COVID-19 Patients are hiding their symptoms from doctors due to the fear that doctors may refuse to treat. They are defilading their history even from family/ neighbours with perceived fear of being socially isolated and also not getting access to healthcare facilities for being a source of transmission, with several reports now emerging, especially in developing countries, that people suspected of coronavirus infection are fleeing from quarantine facilities owing to isolation and the spread of the deadly disease furthermore. Disseminating positive scientific knowledge through media and social media can help improve the situation. Mental health being a taboo itself now should be addressed as an essential health condition to be dealt with by trained healthcare professionals.

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Original article in a peer-reviewed national journal as the first author.

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Background: Substance abuse is becoming a grievous problem among young generation and it takes time and substantial amount of money for treatment of drug addiction.

Objectives: To explore the patterns of service use among substance abusers living in Dhaka city.

Methods: The study population included 36 parents and 48 recovering addicts selected from Dhaka city using a random table. Data were collected through face-to-face interview using a semi-structured questionnaire.

Results: Half of the recovering users were on their thirties or forties. Two-third of the addicts used methamphet-amine. Most of them had been addicted for 6 to 20 years. Cost of counseling was within 20000 BDT for half of them and from 20001 to 40000 BDT for one-third of them. Cost for treatment was within 20001 to 40000 BDT for half of them and within 20000 BDT for one-fourth of them. It took 2 to 5 years for complete recovery for more than half of the recovery addicts.

Conclusions: Substance abusers invest considerable time and money for counseling purpose.

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Brief-review in a non-peer-reviewed international trade journal as the first author.

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Vakavien mielenterveyshäiriöiden diagnostiik-kaan on pyritty löytämään keinoja, mutta huonoin. Eksosomit ovat viime vuosina identifioituuusi elimistön säätelyjärjestelmä. Luonteensa vuoksieksosomit ovat lupaavia tekijöitä myös mielenterveyden diagnostiikan kannalta. Useat aivojen solutyypit erittävät eksosomeja. Eksosomit ovat rasvavaipan ympäröimiä rakkuloita,

joiden halkaisija on vain 30–100 nm. Eksosomit kuljettavat useita erilaisia säätelytekijöitä joko läheisiin tai perifeerisiin soluihin kudosnesteiden välityksellä. Ne säätelevät kohdesolun toimintaa vapauttamalla sisältönsä soluun. Eksosomeja tutkitaan par’aikaa aktiivisesti lääketieteessä, mukaan lukien vakavat

mielenterveyshäiriöt.

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Original article in a peer-reviewed national journal as the last author.

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The aim of this study was to compare the specific psychiatric diagnosis, frequency, and types of stressors, and the level of awareness about marriage law between married (cases; n=80) and unmarried girls (control; n=80) with one or more psychiatric disorders below the age of 18 years. The psychiatric diseases were diagnosed according to Axis One of ICD-10 clinical diagnoses of multi-axial classification of childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorder. Psychosocial stressors were considered on the basis of Axis Five of this classification. Of the cases, major depressive disorder was the highest (n=47) and next was a dissociative (conversion) disorder (n=24). Among the controls, generalized anxiety disorder (n=31) was the most prevalent followed by obsessive-compulsive disorder (n=17). The difference was highly significant (p>0.001). The cases reported a significant excess of psychosocial stressors than that of the controls to the onset of the psychiatric disorder. All the cases had associated stressors. In contrast, 77 out of 80 control patients had stressors. Marriage itself played as a stressor in the 78 cases. Beside this, other highly frequent stressors were marital discord followed by drop out from study and trouble with in-laws. Among the controls, the highest reported stressor was increased academic workload and next two commonest stressors were poor academic performance and discord with peers. Interestingly, 52.5% of the cases were having knowledge about the law on the age of marriage and that was 32.5% among the controls. It was significant that most of the girls breached their continuity of education after marriage (p>0.001). In conclusion, psychosocial stressors including marriage have a causal relationship with depressive and conversion disorder.

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Original article in a peer-reviewed international journal as the first author.

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Background:

Analysis of positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia has been increasingly needed for a systematic management plan. Unfortunately, this type of study was lacking in Bangladesh.

Aims:

The study aims were to find out the predominant symptom pattern and associating factors in schizophrenia.

Methods: 

This was a cross sectional, analytical and descriptive study done in a tertiary care hospital with a sample size of 78. The SCID-I and pre designed socio demographic questionnaire was applied. Positive and negative symptoms were assessed by using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS). Statistical analysis was done through SPSS version 17.

Results: 

Among 78 patients, schizophrenics with positive symptoms (57.7%) were predominant over schizophrenics with negative symptoms (42.3%). Delusion (64.1%) and blunted affect (55.1%) were the most frequent positive and negative symptoms respectively. Negative symptoms were significantly associated with poverty, unemployment and lack of education.

Limitations: 

Single centered cross sectional study with small sample size.

Conclusions: 

Schizophrenic patients with positive symptoms visit clinicians more readily than those with negative symptoms.

Category:

Conference proceeding in an international conference as the first author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

6.1

5-year Impact Factor:

5.3

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/11516

Abstract:

Purpose of the study: Re-emergence of influenza outbreaks in the context of some vaccination failure, not only demands invention of effective flu shots but also draw the attention of schizophrenia researchers and epidemiologists. Influenza outbreak is common in winter and pregnant women exposed to influenza during second trimester increases the risk of adult onset schizophrenia among their children. The birth rate of patients with schizophrenia has been found to be 5-8 percent higher in the Winter-Spring period than in the Summer-Autumn period, compared to the general population [1] [2]. This finding is more consistent in northern than southern hemisphere and in higher than lower latitude [3]. In some other studies, summer birth has been found to be associated with deficit schizophrenia [4]. Geographical location of Bangladesh in the Tropic of Cancer in north hemisphere makes it a crucial place to replicate similar researches.

Category:

Editorial in an international journal as the sole author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

10.11

5-year Impact Factor:

N/A

H Index:

36

Google Scholar h5 Index:

9

https://www.omicsonline.org/international-journal-of-emergency-mental-health-and-human-resilience.php

Abstract:

Mental health awareness week is going to be observed this year from 11th to 17th May. Stigma about Psychiatry is a global issue running from the very beginning of every civilization since today. As being a psychiatrist in a developing country, I am fighting against stigma by not only treating the patients suffering from schizophrenia but also educating parents of adolescent school going children in Bangladesh. I was inspired by the work of my Japanese colleague Hatsumi Yoshii, who has been developing an effective educational program since 2011 to improve knowledge of schizophrenia in parents of junior and senior high school students in Japan.

Category:

Editorial in an international journal as the sole author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

10.11

5-year Impact Factor:

N/A

H Index:

36

Google Scholar h5 Index:

9

https://www.omicsonline.org/international-journal-of-emergency-mental-health-and-human-resilience.php

Abstract:

Disasters are events from the physical environment which are harmful for human beings and are caused by forces which are unfamiliar to them. They are normally unpredictable and catch the affected populations unprepared. Disasters can be natural like hurricanes and earthquakes as well as human-made like plane crash and terrorist attacks.

Category:

Letter to editor in a peer-reviewed international journal as the sole author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

N/A

5-year Impact Factor:

N/A

Abstract:

Diagnostic categories in psychiatry like Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) an International Classification of Diseases (ICD), based upon presenting signs and symptoms, fail to align with findings emerging from clinical neuroscience and genetics. One consequence has been to slow the development of new treatments targeted to underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is launching the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) project to create a framework for research on pathophysiology, especially for genomics and neuroscience, which ultimately will inform future classification schemes ensuring diagnosis that has both reliability and validity. Identifying syndromes based on pathophysiology will eventually be able to improve outcomes. Incorporating data on pathophysiology in ways that eventually will help identify new targets for treatment development, detect subgroups for treatment selection, and provide a better match between research findings and clinical decision making.

Category:

Conference proceeding in an international conference as the first author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

6.1

5-year Impact Factor:

5.3

https://wos-journal.info/journalid/11516

Abstract:

Purpose of the study: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is the fourth most common psychiatric diagnosis worldwide having variable patterns of presentation. Lifetime prevalence rate at age 30 is 5.5%. Difference between sub threshold OCD and full criteria OCD is critical. Obsessive compulsive phenomena form a continuum with few symptoms and minimal severity at one end and many symptoms and severe impairment at the other end. Patients with OCD differs significantly from patients without OCD, but not from each other. OCD symptoms are often ignored in our socio-cultural context. So exploration of symptom pattern in our study may inspire further investigation regarding this issue.

Category:

Original article in a peer-reviewed national journal as the last author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

N/A

5-year Impact Factor:

N/A

Abstract:

Elderly people are increasing day by day both in developing and developed country due to development of new treatment, increased awareness of people and improved health facilities. This present study was conducted with the aim to identify behavioral problems according to severity of dementia. This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Psychiatry and Department of Neuro-medicine of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh and in National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh from September 2013 to March 2015. A total 150 patients were selected purposefully; severity of dementia was graded according to Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and another questionnaire was applied to detect behavioral problems of patients. In this study mild dementia was found as the most frequent (38%), followed by severe dementia (35.3%) and moderate dementia (26.7%). The results indicated that behavioral problem was more common in severe dementia. Behavioral problem was more common in severe dementia than in mild and moderate dementia. Among behavioral problems sleep disturbance and sexual disturbance were statistically significant This study provides information about pattern of behavioral problems among patients with dementia. Liaison approach with other discipline may improve quality of life of these patients treatable.

Category:

Original article in a peer-reviewed national journal as an author other than first and last author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

N/A

5-year Impact Factor:

N/A

Abstract:

Geriatric people are increasing day by day in both developed and developing countries.

Dementia represents a major health problem in ageing society. Due to its progressive and disabling course it causes burden on caregivers. The aim of this present study was to find out types, socio-demographic variables and other related factors of dementia. This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in Department of Psychiatry and Department of Neuromedicine of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and in National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Dhaka, Bangladesh from September 2013 to March 2015.

A total 150 patients were selected purposefully and semi structured questionnaire containing socio demographic variables was applied. Related information was taken from patients and their attendants. Dementia and their subtypes were diagnosed clinically and severity was graded according to Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The results showed that ages of the participants ranged from 60 to 88 years. Most of the participants were illiterate (26.66%). Considering occupational status most of the participants were retired and housewives. Concerning types of dementia Alzheimer's disease (54.7%) and vascular dementia (28.7%) were found. Proportion of mild, moderate and severe dementia was almost same.

This study provides information about the socio-demographic pattern and other related factors which can offer important guidelines for future work in this area. Awareness programs about the disease should be done and participation of family members should be encouraged for better quality of life.

Category:

Original article in a peer-reviewed international journal as an author other than first, second and last author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

N/A

h-index:

88 (The data was calculated based on Google Scholar Citations)

i10-index: 464

WJCI (2022): 0.897

WJCI Impact Factor: 0.306

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=b8m1tSIAAAAJ&hl=en

Abstract:

Stigma toward schizophrenia is an important area of research as it is frequently a barrier to early intervention. This study attempted to identify factors underlying stigma in Japan. Because even adolescents can develop schizophrenia, 357 Japanese parents of high school students were enrolled. All parents lived outside the areas affected by the Tohoku earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011 (ie, parts of Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures). Factor analysis using the Link Devaluation–Discrimination Measure identified two factors: comparison with an able-bodied person and non-comparison with an able-bodied person. Regression analysis revealed that family structure had independent effects on factor 2 (p <0.05), and ANOVA showed that education had independent effects on factor 2 (p <0.05). These results suggest that education programs that seek to counteract stigma should target curricula in high schools and vocational schools.

Category:

Original article in a peer-reviewed international journal as an author other than first, second and last author.

2-GJIF (2 years Google-based Impact Factor) for 2022 = D = B/C = 173/214 = 0.81 (TR algorithm, Google citations, data July 2024)

Abstract:

Negative maternal attitudes toward schizophrenia may be linked with delayed treatment of their children. We investigated the relation between negative attitudes toward schizophrenia and help-seeking among mothers of junior and senior high school students in Japan. The participants were 1309 Japanese mothers of junior and senior high school students. Social distance was evaluated by using the Social Distance Scale-Japanese version (SDS-J). In addition, mothers were asked about help-seeking for a child with sleeplessness, social withdrawal, and strange behavior. One-way analysis of variance and Student’s t-test were used to evaluate associations between social distance toward schizophrenia and help-seeking. Most (76.4%) participants were aged 40 - 49 years. Maternal demographic characteristics significantly associated with social distance were employment and participation in welfare activities for people with mental illness. In responding to a child with sleeplessness, social withdrawal, and strange behavior, the level of maternal social distance was not significantly associated with the likelyhood of seeking psychiatric help. However, mothers with greater social distance were less likely to seek help at a psychiatric clinic. Maternal social distance toward schizophrenia was not significantly associated with seeking psychiatric help; however, it did affect the type of facility selected among those would seek such help.

Category:

Original article in a peer-reviewed national journal as an author other than first, second and last author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

N/A

5-year Impact Factor:

N/A

Abstract:

Background: Orphans are the special group of children who are generally deprived and prone to develop psychiatric disorders even reared in well run institution. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of the behavioral and emotional disorder among the children living in orphanage in Dhaka city, and to assess the possible factors associated with the presence of disorders among this study population. Methods: It was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted in selected orphanages. A Total 342 cases were included. One stage structured assessment of psychopathology was carried out by using a valid Bangla version of DAWBA (The Development and Well-Being Assessment). Data analysis was done by SPSS for windows 16.0 version. Results: The results indicate that overall prevalence of behavioral and emotional disorders were 40.35%, in which Behavioral disorder was 26.9%, Emotional disorder was 10.2% and both Behavioral and Emotional disorder were 3.2%. Higher length of stay and low level of education of foster mother were significantly associated with psychiatric morbidity of the respondents. Conclusions: It can be concluded that behavioral and emotional disorders are highly prevalent among orphan children and adolescents with residential care that needs to be addressed. Moreover, measure for early identification and intervention will improve the quality of life of the orphan population.

Category:

Review article in a peer-reviewed national journal as an author other than first, second and last author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

N/A

5-year Impact Factor:

N/A

Abstract:

There is some addictive use of internet which ultimately refers as a disorder. Internet addiction is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges or behaviors regarding computer use and internet access that lead to impairment or distress. It is proposed for inclusion in DSM-V which is scheduled for publication in 2011.

Researchers suggested diagnostic criteria and common sign symptoms.

Co-morbidity found in this disorder like depression and anxiety.

Treatment options are limited, including cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, couple therapy, antidepressant, anti-anxiety drugs and naltrexone. The mental health professionals, information technologists, young and students affairs professionals should be alert to this disorder.

Category:

Original article in a peer-reviewed national journal as an author other than first, second and last author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

N/A

5-year Impact Factor:

N/A

Abstract:

It has been experienced that the rate of reporting of patients to hospitals including mental hospital varies from season to season. The objective of the study was to find out the seasonal variation of psychiatric service utilization in National Institute of Mental Health, Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka over the period of April 2001 to December 2007. A retrospective study was conducted with all consecutive patients who reported to outpatient and inpatient Department of National Institute of Mental Health, Sher-E- Bangla Nagar, Dhaka during the study period. this study, out of total 75,681 patient reporting to the out patient department of the institute, 8.07% (N=5651) patients were treated in the inpatient department and the remaining 91.93% (70,030) were treated exclusively in the outpatient department. Out of all consecutive patients 29.83% ( N=22,577) served in 4 months of winter seasons and 70.17% (N=53,104) served in rest 8 months of summer. Treatment seeking behavior of population is sensitive to seasonal and environmental conditions. Initiatives to increase the awareness about the availability of service facilities in the National Institute of Mental Health, Dhaka among people of the whole country and efforts to enhance the service quality in the institute needed to make best use of the service irrespective of seasons.

Category:

Original article in a peer-reviewed national journal as the first author.

Journal Impact Factor (JIF):

N/A

5-year Impact Factor:

N/A

Abstract:

Mental Retardation are nowadays a common health issue in children of Bangladesh. Consanguinity is not only an important causative factor for this disorder but also a common practice in our community. It is also common worldwide. The study was carried out to observe the association between consanguineous marriage and Mental Retardation. The study was conducted on 81 patients admitted in inpatient department of child, adolescent and family psychiatry department of National Institute of Mental Health, Dhaka from July 2004 to April 2005. Among 81 patients 27 (33%) had Mental Retardation and of them 4 (15%) had history of consanguineous marriage among their parents. The study result suggests that there is risk of mental retardation in children with history of consanguineous marriage among their parents. Creating awareness regarding psychiatric aspect of marriage among blood related people is needed to prevent consanguinity related Mental Retardation and other child psychiatric disorders.