CASTE AND MENTAL DISORDERS IN BIHAR
Abstract
From 10 major Hindu communities—Brahmin, Bhumihar, Bania, Rajput, Goala, Kurmi, Kayastha, Koiri, Teli and scheduled castes—2310 first admissions to the public mental hospital in Bihar during the years 1959-60 reveal that the higher castes predominate.
Schizophrenia as compared to affective disorder is conspicuous among the Brahmin and Kayastha patients. This reflects not only the influence of education on the recourse to hospitalization in the event of a mental breakdown but also factors associated with such incidence.
The rate of admission of the female patients is higher among the Kayastha patients. Also, single patients, compared to the married are conspicuous among the Kayastha patients.
The Kayastha and Bania patients are conspicuously admitted from urban areas and are also associated with a higher economic status. The educational level is comparatively higher among the Brahmin patients. Among a majority of the communities, patients in the eldest sibling position are very conspicuous.
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