Baghdad:Psychiatric services in Iraq have made substantial advancements, as announced by the Scientific Council for Psychiatry, part of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

According to the Iraqi News Agency, the number of psychiatrists in Iraq, previously low, has begun to increase due to the efforts of the Iraqi and Arab Councils for Medical Specializations in graduating new psychiatrists. There has been a notable rise in interest among doctors in this specialty over the past five years.

The head of the Council, Nassif Jassim Al-Humairi, highlighted the evolution of psychiatric medical services in the country. Despite significant progress, he acknowledged that they still fall short of expectations. Key developments include the establishment of two large addiction treatment centers, the opening of a modern mental health hospital in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate, and a major hospital in Sulaymaniyah.

Al-Humairi emphasized the need for further development of mental health services due to growing public demand. Previously, psychiatry was stigmatized, leading to reluctance among citizens to seek help. However, the stigma is lessening, and more people are visiting psychiatric institutions and private clinics across Iraq.

Regarding autism, Al-Humairi noted improvements in diagnosis, with schools increasingly focusing on affected children. While there is no cure for autism, rehabilitation can enhance children’s conditions and well-being. Numerous private centers and the National Autism Center within the Medical City complex are dedicated to autism care and rehabilitation. The physicians at the National Autism Center specialize in child and adolescent psychiatry, though more centers are needed.