It has been decided to conduct a survey, as currently only the details of the patients who visit hospitals are available. The Ministry of Health estimates the number of the patients with mental disorders to be approximately 2.3 million.

Preliminary investigation on mental patients in Sri Lankan has revealed that the main causes for illness are lack of parental care, lack of love, livelihood changes, false accusations, loss of employment and unemployment.

The mental patients could suffer from loss of interest in work, loss of appetite, insomnia, headaches, and other mental disorders.

The Ministry of Health says there is a tendency for 15% to 20% of the mental patients to attempt suicide.

Social scientists are of the opinion that the transformation of the society where person gives top priority to money and material things is the main reason for the increase in the number of mental patients. (ST/KH)