*November 9, 2010* The fact that as many as 12 cases of suicide were reported on a no-moon day is no coincidence. This view is confirmed by city psychiatrists, who have observed that there seems to be a distinct connection between mental illness (including suicidal tendencies) and lunar phases. That explains the high number of suicide cases during no-moon days.
The fact that the term ‘lunatic’ derives its root from the word lunar is evidence of an undeniable connection. “This alone shows that there has to be some link between the lunar phases and different kinds of mental illnesses, including suicidal tendencies, though there is no scientific evidence so far to prove it,” said Dr Vikram Prabhu, consultant psychiatrist, Sagar Hospitals. “In fact there have been instances when I had to prescribe additional medicines for patients to keep them calm on no- moon days,” he added. Like all mental illnesses, even suicidal tendencies peak during this period, because self-destructive behaviour is a type of mental illness. All mental illness like depression, psychosis, schizophrenia show an increase on no-moon days. So I often face queries from relatives of the affected people on this connection with the lunar phases. But since there has been no scientific evidence till now, I ask them to maintain a lunar chart and map the pattern of mental illness. It has always shown an increase on no-moon days,” he said. Psychiatrists feel it is only a matter of time for the relation between lunar phases and mental illness to be scientifically proved. “I feel science has still not evolved to the extent that it can quantify this connection, but with time this is definitely bound to be scientifically proved. What else could explain the rise in disturbing behaviour among psychiatric patients on no-moon days?” said Dr Sharat Sinha, consultant psychiatrist. <goog_1161980479> http://www.deccanchronicle.com/bengaluru/lunar-connection-mental-illness-073 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/MhaNewsViewsIndia?hl=en ------------- Affiliated Groups : MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY INDIA [email protected] Discussions on mental health law / policy / plan monitoring / human rights etc [email protected] India-specific news and views related to mental health [email protected] Information and support to carers of people with mental health issues [email protected] Mutual support and sharing of experiential knowledge, skills and social learning amongst peers
