"Our research marks a significant milestone in mental health care," said Prof Pallab Maulik, Director of Research and Program Director (Mental Health) at The George Institute India

A combination of digital healthcare and community-based campaigns can significantly reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and self-harm in rural India, a global study by the George Institute  has found. 

The George Institute is a leading independent global medical research institute with major centres in Australia, China, India and the UK, and an international network of experts and collaborators.

The study screened almost 170,000 adults across West Godavari, Faridabad and Palwal districts of Andhra Pradesh and Haryana for depression. Of them, 9,900 were part of a 12-month trial that implemented two key strategies: a community campaign to reduce mental health stigma and a digital healthcare initiative for those at high risk of mental disorders. 

The results were striking: One, there was a significant reduction in depression risk among those involved in the intervention over one year. Two, the cure rate, measured by remission, was significantly higher in the intervention group, with 75% achieving full recovery, compared to just 50% in the control group. Three, There was a marked increase in knowledge and attitudes related to mental health, accompanied by a notable decrease in the stigma associated with seeking help. 

While behavioral changes related to mental health were not significant at the one-year mark, the study did observe positive effects as early as three months into the program.

"Our research marks a significant milestone in mental health care," said Prof. Pallab Maulik, Director of Research and Program Director (Mental Health) at The George Institute India. "This study, the largest of its kind globally, revealed a substantial reduction in depression risk over one year and highlighted the profound impact of our dual intervention approach.”

“This study shows that community health workers, supported by doctors and simple digital tools, can provide high quality, effective health care. The strategy is simple, safe, clinically effective and can reach large numbers of people missing out on mental health care worldwide” Prof. David Peiris, Chief Scientist at The George Institute said.

Mercian Daniel, Senior Research Fellow at The George Institute India said: “The success of such a large trial at the primary care level included providing initial handholding and regular supportive supervision to ASHAs and primary health care doctors along with actively engaging with the community”.

In a statement, the George Institute said mental health remains a critical global challenge, with nearly 150 million people in India needing treatment, yet only a fraction receiving adequate care.

It said the shortage of mental health professionals in India is particularly acute, especially in rural areas where trained health workers are scarce. 

India’s Systematic Medical Appraisal, Referral and Treatment (SMART) Mental Health Program was developed to address this gap by training village health workers in basic mental health care and using innovative methods of service delivery.

Also read: Mental health: The silent pandemic we are grappling with