SUMMARY
An epidemiological study of priority psychiatric conditions in a rural area in Tamil Nadu is described. The prevalence or psychiatric disorders in this rural area is 14.5 per 1000 population and this is comparable to figures reported from urban studies. The prevalence is highest in the 15-44 year age group. It is higher in males in the younger age group and in females in the older age group. No significant statistical differences in the prevalence of psychiatric disorders arc noticed when factors such as family size, caste, and socioeconomic status are considered. About 75% of the patients have been sick for more than one year and they have not had any treatment. The implications of the above observations are discussed.
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