Cash-strapped Greece literally becoming a madhouse

Athens Medical Association President George Patoulis said that there is an alarming rise in psychiatric conditions in Greece as a result of the economic crisis with 10-12% of the total population of all ages suffering from some sort of mental condition but only half of them seeking medical treatment. Speaking at a conference, titled “Mental Health in Modern Society”, Patoulis said that the economic crisis has not just exacerbated people already suffering from some sort of psychosis but has struck people of all ages who would otherwise not have had a problem. Unemployment, insecurity and stress caused by the inability to make ends meet has caused a hike in mental disability. The problems coincide with cutbacks in programs aimed at ensuring people’s social well-being. Prevention programs are also no longer funded.