5 Modern Treatments to Treat Mental Illness

Mental health is equally important as physical health as it helps you cope with the stress of daily life. It is the basis of your overall well-being and how you function. It comprises your ability to manage thoughts, emotions, behaviour and social interactions. Any mental health condition that affects your behaviour, thoughts, mood and functionality is classified as a mental illness. A mental illness not only disrupts your life including your work and relationships but also affects your physical health. Hence, mental illness treatments are crucial for the management of the illness.  If you want to learn about different types of mental illnesses and want information about various modern treatments on mental illness, read below.

Types and Signs of Mental Illnesses

There are many different types of mental disorders caused by different factors such as genetics, family history, life experiences, trauma, chemical imbalances, personality traits, etc. Some of the most common types of modern mental health issues are:

1. Anxiety disorders like phobias, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder
2. Mood disorders like depression
3. Borderline personality disorder
4. Psychotic disorders like schizophrenia
5. Eating disorders like anorexia
6. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
7. Substance abuse ( drug addiction, alcoholism) 

It is not uncommon for a person or their family to be unaware of a mental illness. Hence, recognising the signs of a mental illness can help in obtaining timely treatment. If you observe any of the following symptoms, there may be an indication of a mental health issue and it is recommended to seek professional help.

1. Feeling sad
2. Low concentration
3. Extreme thoughts of fear, worry or guilt
4. Extreme mood swings
5. Socially withdrawn
6. Substance abuse
7. Unable to cope with stress
8. Change in eating habits
9. Fatigue
10. Delusional
11. Suicidal thoughts, etc.

5 Modern Treatments for Mental Illness

Most mental illnesses can be effectively treated and managed if diagnosed correctly and on time. The course of treatment depends on the type and severity of the mental illness as well as on the patient's individual needs. One can cure mental health conditions with the various modern treatments for mental illnesses, as given below.

1. Psychotherapy

It involves sharing thoughts  with a psychologist or a trained mental health professional. It helps relieve stress and anxiety. The patient becomes more aware of his/her emotions and learns to manage unhealthy reactions. It is one of the best treatments for mental illnesses that includes therapies like Cognitive behaviour therapy, psychoanalysis therapies, etc.

2. Medication

Sometimes prescription medicines are used to manage symptoms of a mental health condition. It helps in making the therapy more effective. Medicines like antidepressants, and mood stabilisers are commonly prescribed for improving symptoms.

3. Brain Stimulation Therapy

It is used to treat a mental disorder when it does not respond to any other modern mental health treatments like therapy or medication. The two most frequently employed brain stimulation therapies are Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

4. Complimentary Therapies

These are alternative therapies that are used to complement the conventional therapy. It includes a range of activities like yoga, meditation, journaling, music therapy, art therapy, massage therapy, nutrition etc.

5. Support Groups

Support groups and community programs play a very important role in raising awareness and providing resources and tips to deal with a mental condition. Such groups also provide support for education, employment and access to modern treatment on mental illness information. 

Does Health Insurance Cover Mental Illness Modern Treatment?

IRDAI has made it mandatory for health insurance provider to cover mental illnesses in health insurance coverage. Health insurance for mental illness covers the costs of hospitalisation, medication, diagnostics and treatment. Note that any mental disorder caused by substance abuse is not covered under health insurance and also OPD expenses are excluded from the coverage. Some common mental disorders that are covered include:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• OCD
• Anxiety disorder
• Hyperactivity
• PTSD, etc.

Things to Consider while Buying Health Insurance for Mental Illness

As per IRDAI regulations, health insurance companies are now required to provide coverage for various modern treatments of mental illnesses. However, the coverage is available subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. Here are some important points to note before buying mental illness cover.

1. Coverage Amount

Select a health insurance plan that covers a wide range of mental illnesses and modern treatments. Check the premium amount to ensure it fits your budget.

2. Waiting Periods

Do not miss the waiting period as you will not be able to make any claims during this period. So opt for a plan that has the minimum waiting period for covering mental illnesses.

3. Inclusions and Exclusions

Before finalising a plan, check what is covered and what is not covered, and what are the sub-limits to avoid any surprises at the last minute. For instance, many insurers do not cover mental retardation but provide coverage for depression and anxiety issues. Select a plan that is suitable for your medical needs.

4. Claim Settlement Process

Check the claim settlement ratio and the claim settlement process of the insurance company. Ensure that the claim process is smooth and hassle-free. Also, check the network of hospitals where you can avail of cashless treatment.

Keep Your Mental Peace with Care Health Insurance!

The modern lifestyle has made stress and isolation a common problem for everyone, leading to severe mental disorders. If you notice various modern treatments of mental illness information, you will find that most of them are expensive because of the gap between the number of trained professionals available and the number of patients that need medical attention. To bridge this gap, health insurance policies like Care Supreme come into the picture. 

Through this policy, the insurer tries to include mental illness coverage within the umbrella of health insurance. The scope of coverage extends for covering various illnesses including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and so on under its optional mental wellness benefit. However, it is advised to refer to the policy document for confirming the terms and conditions, waiting period and other related clauses in times of claiming to avoid any consequences.  

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.