A STUDY OF THE PATTERN OF MENTAL DISEASE IN BURMANS

Abstract

The aim of this thesis has been to determine the incidence and pattern of Mental Disease in Burmans, as seen at the Tadagale Hospital, the only mental hospital in Burma. Admissions to, Tadagale, during 1953-54-55 were observed and classified into age and sex groups, diagnosis and condition on discharge. Predisposing causes and responses to treatment were considered. Burmese remedies of repute used by the indigenous Burmese Physicians for treating mental disorders are outlined. As Tadagale is the Only mental hospital in Burma, the data presented provide information about the major illnesses that lead to hospital admission in Burma. Prophylactic measures that could be used to prevent these illnesses are suggested. There are no previous publications which deal with mental diseases in Burmans and I believe that this thesis is the first attempt at an analysis of this problem.