Tag: mental illness

Centre to investigate Havana Syndrome: All you need to know about the mysterious disease

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Central government has decided to investigate the potential existence of the Havana Syndrome cases in the country. The government recently told the Karnataka High Court during the hearing of a petition filed by a Bengaluru resident that it would soon examine the potential existence of Havana Syndrome in India.

According to a LiveLaw report, the petitioner had approached the Karnataka High Court seeking directions to the government to investigate possible cases of the disease and to take preventive measures.

In 2021, the first case of the mysterious Havana Syndrome was reported in India when a US official visiting New Delhi complained of symptoms similar to that of the disease. During the visit of William Burns, a director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), a member of his delegation was admitted to hospital due to strange symptoms, according to reports.

What is Havana Syndrome?

Havana Syndrome is a set of mental health symptoms which have been found by United States intelligence and embassy officials in various countries. The word ‘syndrome’ implies a set of symptoms. However, this does not mean an extraordinary medical condition, but certain symptoms, where the origins may be difficult to confirm.

As of now, the common symptoms of Havana Syndrome are said to be nausea, vertigo, headaches, memory loss and even hearing sounds that are not even there. Even after an extensive examination, there is no such conclusion about the cause of Havana Syndrome. However, many experts state that the incidents could be the result of many factors, and the lack of concrete reasoning has led to ongoing debate on the issue.

Possible Cause of Havana Syndrome

According to the reports, the possible causes can be sonic or acoustic attacks. It was suggested that high-frequency sound waves or other types of acoustic energy could be the reason for these health effects. But, another theory says that it could be the result of exposure to direct microwave radiation. Additionally, environmental factors like exposure to toxins or pollutants can also be the reason for it.

Where did Havana Syndrome start?

After the United States opened its embassy in Cuba’s capital Havana in 2015, the syndromes were first witnessed by the officials in 2016 and that’s how the name was derived as ‘Havana Syndrome’.

Some of the officials of US intelligence and staff members started to notice a sudden burst of pressure in their brains along with a constant headache and insomnia.

Later in 2017, more cases related to such symptoms were reported. By 2019 and 2020, events of such incidents were reported in Washington DC as well.

As per the New York Times report from 2021, US Vice President Kamala Harris’s trip from Singapore to Vietnam was delayed by three hours as one of her officials was said to be having symptoms of Havana Syndrome.

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Special health cover for people with disabilities, mental issues — insurers running against time

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has recently mandated health insurance companies to provide special coverage for people with disabilities (PwDs), and those suffering from HIV/AIDS and mental ailments. In the circular, the insurance regulator has asked the insurers to determine the price of the product in line with its guidelines. While industry experts have welcomed the move, they pointed out that lack of proper data for the purpose of pricing is a challenge for them.

“We are evaluating to construct a suitable cover for this special segment. The lack of data is a challenge but it is not insurmountable. We look forward to serving the need to the best possible extent,” said Sharad Mathur, MD & CEO at Universal Sompo General Insurance.

Another challenge that experts pointed out is the “urgency” shown by IRDAI.

“The urgency shown by IRDAI should ensure insurance companies develop these products at the earliest. Pricing like other policies will be for one year,” said Sanchit Malik, Co-founder and CEO at Pazcare.

It must be noted that HIV and mental illnesses are already a part of many health insurance products. Earlier too, the insurance regulator directed companies to include mental health coverage in addition to covering most other illnesses. However, there have been delays by insurance companies.

Now, businesses are required to market and offer their respective products without delay as mandated.

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Sanjay Datta, Chief, Underwriting, Reinsurance and Claims at ICICI Lombard, said the firms are discussing with the regulator as well as among themselves to understand the products better, get clarity and then take it forward.

“Once we understand the requirement from the market as well as the regulatory perspective, we can build something that caters to the exact needs of the customers. We will do extensive customer research and product configurations to make it successful and effective in catering to customers’ requirements. Currently, we have integrated both HIV and mental illness as part of our regular product as a rider and as an add-on. Both inpatient and outpatient products will also cover any related hospitalisation expenses,” he told CNBC-TV18.com.

Notably, depression, anxiety, and stress are common in Indian culture. India’s population is increasingly feeling the strain of its growing mental health problems and in some cases, it has become a matter of national security. And currently, a mental health insurance policy might offer limited coverage and is an add-on benefit under a health plan. However, with the new order, the insurance companies will make the cover more extensive and standalone.

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Insurance regulator asks firms to offer mental illness cover under health insurance

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) has directed insurance companies to provide cover for mental illness under health insurance policies before October 31, 2022. This comes in line with the Mental Health Act, 2017 that says every insurer will have to make provision for medical insurance for treatment of mental illness on the same basis as is available for treatment of physical illness.

In light of this announcement, insurers will have to setup supporting infrastructure in terms of mental illness treatment specific network hospitals, clinics and psychiatrists, which will in turn help standardise the cost of treatment across a variety of mental illness ailments, their scope and condition specific pricing, said Apaar Kasliwal, Executive Director, PolicyBoss.com.

Depression, anxiety, and stress are common in Indian culture. India’s population is increasingly feeling the strain of its growing mental health problems and in some cases, it has become a matter of national security. And, currently a mental health insurance policy might offer limited coverage and is an add on benefit under a health plan. However going further with the development in the mental healthcare infrastructure, the insurance companies will make the cover more extensive and standalone.

Commenting on the move, Saurabh Arora, Co-founder-CTO and Head of Healthcare, Plum said that the recent move by IRDAI is a great step towards recognizing that mental health is an epidemic and how critical it is for policies to cover therapy, not just limit it to hospitalization.

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Adding to this, Kasliwal said, “With this, consumers will get absolute clarity on what all is covered under mental illness, to what extent and scope is the coverage, what part will be cashless and what will be basis reimbursement and finally what’s excluded. There is expected to be tremendous boost to preventive health care with regards to mental illnesses, given the higher level of awareness and acceptance, at an individual, society and now insurance levels.”

This will aid standardization of mental illness treatments and policyholders will now have a better choice from network list of all relevant medical care facilities and service providers specializing in mental illness treatment.

Policyholders will now be able to diagnose and attend to mental illnesses at an early stage, minus any taboo, minus any hesitation, minus any fear of being marked out.

On the expectations, Amjad Khan, Director, Employee Benefit practice and International business, Anand Rathi Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd said that mental health insurance would cover expenses incurred if anyone has to be hospitalized under in-patient care due to any mental illness including diagnostics, medications, treatment costs, room rent road ambulance charges etc.

“Consulting and counselling cost can also be covered if there is an OPD extension availed under the mental health insurance. The pandemic has brought about renewed approach on mental well-being and the insurers would offer flexible solutions under the same making it evident on the growing need to have mental well-being as an essential part of the overall health Insurance coverage,” he said.

It’s important to note that India has the highest number of depressed individuals in the world, according to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report.

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This means that one out of three individuals in India suffers from depression/anxiety or any other kind of mental issue. Owing to which projections show that India Inc will suffer massive economic losses due to the rising mental health conditions and the subsequent absenteeism and presenteeism could bring down productivity at alarming levels.

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World Mental Health Day 2022: 10 symptoms of mental illness you shouldn’t ignore

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year with an aim to create awareness about mental health issues. Millions of individuals suffer from various mental health or psychological disorders in India.

However, even the most common mental health disorders such as depressive disorders, anxiety, eating disorders and substance abuse are ignored or brushed off without people seeking help. This can lead to severe outcomes as the issues progress.

On World Mental Health Day, here’s a look at 10 symptoms of mental illness that you shouldn’t ignore.

1. Feeling very sad, withdrawn, or unmotivated for prolonged periods

Being sad or irritable, lacking in motivation and energy for more than a few weeks and losing interest or being teary all the time can be symptoms of depression which shouldn’t be ignored.

2. Having excessive fears or feeling tense for a prolonged time

If a person worries and fears are constant and interfere with their daily life functions then it could be a symptom of generalised anxiety disorder, simply known as GAD. It is advisable to seek professional help to manage GAD.

3. Feeling guilty or worthless

Thoughts like ‘I’m a failure’, ‘It’s my fault’ or ‘I’m worthless’ could be signs of depression. If your colleague, friend or loved one is frequently criticising or blaming themselves, they may need help.

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4. Paranoia and delusions

Paranoia that involves intense anxiety or fearful feelings causing delusions can be triggered by an underlying mental disorder or illness. It is important to seek help and get a professional diagnosis.

5. Taking extreme measures such as laxatives or starving for long to lose weight or obsessively gaining weight

Excessively obsessing over one’s appearance and body weight could be a symptom of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia. People with this disorder spend a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance which may lead to self-harm.

6. Changes in behaviour or feelings

Significant changes to behaviour and feeling over time could be a sign of an existing or a developing mental health disorder.

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7. Substance abuse

Using substances such as alcohol or drugs to cope can be a sign of mental health conditions. Substance abuse can also exacerbate mental illness.

8. Emotional outbursts

Sudden and dramatic changes in mood which are out of the normal, such as extreme distress or anger, can be a symptom of underlying mental illness.

9. Sleep problems

Lasting changes to a person’s sleep patterns may be a symptom of a mental health disorder such as insomnia due to anxiety or substance abuse.

10. Loss of concentration

Trailing off during conversations or losing train of thought may indicate issues with memory or could be a symptom of depression.

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Air pollution could lead to mental disorders, claims study

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The global mental health crisis is only getting worse as we pollute the air more. A research paper that had involved 13,000 people in the city of London found that mental illnesses were exacerbated by exposure to air pollution. The research found that even a relatively small increase in exposure to nitrogen dioxide leads to a 32 percent increase for people needing community-based treatment. The risk of being admitted to the hospital was as high as 18 percent.

The research paper was authored by Ioannis Bakolis of London’s King’s College and his team for the University of Bristol.

The researchers examined the frequency of admissions in hospitals and allied health services to understand and measure the severity of mental illnesses. It was found that a small reduction in one pollutant alone could reduce illness and save the NHS tens of millions of pounds a year.

The World Bank estimates air pollution costs the global economy over $5 trillion a year in associated health costs. If the exposure to air pollution is curtailed to just a few units for each person, the UK’s urban population could cut the use of mental health services by 2 percent.

The scientists further stressed these findings were likely to apply to most cities in developed nations too, and the mere reduction of air pollution would benefit millions of people.

Bakolis said that though the levels of air pollution in London has fallen in recent years, the impact is felt even at low levels of air pollution.

Research has shown small increases in air pollution causes significant rises in depression, anxiety, suicides, and mental disorders in people growing up in the area. Also, air pollution causes a huge reduction in intelligence and contributes to dementia. A review in 2019 stated air pollution could even lead to damaging every single organ in the body.

The study, which was published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, is not meant to directly link air pollution and the severity of mental illness. It instead links air pollutants that contain potent inflammatory properties to mental illness as these inflammation properties lead to psychotic and mood disorders. Substantiating their claim, the research team says there is a “biologically plausible” reason for their findings.

“Cost evaluations currently only factor in physical health, but we’re seeing more studies demonstrating links with mental health,” said Joanne Newbury, from the University of Bristol who was also a part of the research team.

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How to choose health insurance cover for mental illness?

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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With the aim of making mental healthcare available to all, the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has asked insurers to include mental illness in all regular health insurance coverage. Insurance companies have been mandated to treat it as a normal disease.

As per rule, insurance companies cannot deny coverage to customers who have used opioids or anti-depressants in the past.

“Also, insurers can’t deny coverage to people with a proven history of clinical depression, personality or neurodegenerative disorders, sociopathy and psychopathy,” explains Amit Chhabra, head-health insurance, Policybazaar.

While this is an obvious respite for policyholders, insurance companies have also welcomed the move.

In words of Sanjay Datta, Chief, Underwriting, Claims and Reinsurance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, “Earlier we used to build data, understand the cost and then provide the coverage. Now, with IRDAI’s mandate, mental health can be covered on a broader point.”

Now, if customers want to invest in a mental illness cover, they should check if the disorder requires hospitalisation or can be treated through therapy and medication.

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In the case of the former, Naval Goel, chief executive officer and founder of PolicyX suggests to go for a comprehensive indemnity plan that covers hospitalisation.

“The latter will require a plan that also offers outpatient department (OPD),” he added.

Outpatient counselling or therapy is only covered if the plan offers OPD benefit.

If an individual is diagnosed with a mental illness subsequent to buying a health insurance policy, the insurer cannot reject the claim.

Some insurers have already started customising products that cater to the specific needs of people suffering from mental illnesses.

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“These plans cover various expenses such as OPD costs, doctor consultation fees, hospitalisation and rehabilitation. There are certain plans which offer a sub-limit on the sum insured for pre-existing conditions or comes with a waiting period,” explains Rakesh Goyal, director, Probus Insurance, Insurtech Broking Company.

The coverage of each plan may vary and depend on the insurance plan and its underwriting limitations.

In case of a pre-existing mental disorder, the insurer is at liberty to treat it as one and decide on the waiting period, usually 2-3 years.

One of the most recent plans, according to Chhabra, that provide comprehensive OPD cover for psychiatric illness and other ailments within the base plan is Digit’s OPD Policy.

“The policy offers OPD cover up to Rs 10,000 and is available in two variants – PB OPD family and PB OPD 1 adult. For now, the plan is available in two sum insured options – minimum Rs 5 lakh and maximum Rs 10 lakh. One can choose any sum insured from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh,” he explains.

Max Bupa’s GoActive plan and Manipal Cigna’s ProHealth Insurance also cover conditions related to mental illnesses.

“Similarly, HDFC Ergo’s Critical Illness Plan – Platinum covers a popular mental disorder – Alzheimer among 15 other critical illnesses. Star Health and Allied Insurance’s Star Special Care plan covers autism in people from 3 to 25 years of age,” Chhabra added.

Reliance General Insurance Company and Max Bupa Health Insurance have also introduced health plans which are specifically designed for people suffering from mental illnesses.

Disclaimer: CNBCTV18.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow