The impact of urbanization on mental health in India

Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2018 May;31(3):276-281. doi: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000408.

Abstract

Purpose of review: India has experienced rapid urbanization in the last few decades. This review focuses on recent research related to the effects of urbanization on mental health with a specific focus on various population groups in urban India.

Recent findings: With a specific focus on recent research undertaken amongst special populations such as youth, women and the elderly, the findings demonstrate increasing rates of substance use and technology addiction among youth; high self-harm rates in various groups such as adolescents and women; the effects of violence and abuse on the mental health of women; psychological distress among the elderly in modern urban India.

Summary: The article highlights the direct and indirect effects of urbanization on mental health of various populations and emphasizes the need to develop individual-level and policy-level strategies to manage problems arising out of the same.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Mental Health / statistics & numerical data*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Urbanization / trends