NIMHANS unveils world's largest archived patient records
The NIMHANS Archiving Digital Initiative (NADI), with more than 37,000 patient records, was consecrated at the institute's Heritage Museum by Director Prof. Pratima Murthy, early this week.
NADI offers 'a rare glimpse into over a century of mental health and neuroscience history at our institution,' NIMHANS shared in a post on social media platform X.
'This monumental collection, comprising over 37,000 patient files, represents one of the largest historical archives in mental health and neurosciences globally,' it added. Calling the records of conditions ranging from schizophrenia to epilepsy to tumours 'invaluable', NIMHANS said that they 'span from the 1890s, during the era of the Mysore Lunatic Asylum through the period of All-India Institute of Mental Health (AIIMH), established in 1954.
NIMHANS was established in 1974 by merging the Mental Hospital, established by the Government of Mysore, and the AIIMH, established by the Government of India.
The records have been meticulously categorised and catalogued using KOHA software -- a free and open-source Integrated Library System -- to facilitate access for students and researchers.
'The diagnostic categories represented are notably diverse ranging from psychiatric conditions (e.g., schizophrenia, depression) to neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, dementia), and neurosurgical cases (e.g., head injuries, tumours),' NIMHANS said. "Each in-patient record captures the diagnostic understanding of its time, detailing treatment approaches and outcomes," it added. The initiative will enable researchers, students, and historians to explore diagnostic trends and treatment evolution. It will also help study the socio-medical context of health care in mental health and neuroscience in India.
However, access "will require administrative and ethical approvals', NIMHANS said, adding that the institute will share detailed guidelines on how to access these resources for training and research purposes.
'This initiative marks a significant step in preserving both our institution's and the country's mental health and neuroscience heritage, while also supporting future research in the field,' NIMHANS said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
2 days ago
- Hans India
NIMHANS unveils world's largest archived patient records
New Delhi: In a significant step to advance mental health research, the National Institute of Mental Health and NeuroSciences (NIMHANS) at Bengaluru has unveiled the world's largest archival patient records digitising health data dating from the 1890s. The NIMHANS Archiving Digital Initiative (NADI), with more than 37,000 patient records, was consecrated at the institute's Heritage Museum by Director Prof. Pratima Murthy, early this week. NADI offers 'a rare glimpse into over a century of mental health and neuroscience history at our institution,' NIMHANS shared in a post on social media platform X. 'This monumental collection, comprising over 37,000 patient files, represents one of the largest historical archives in mental health and neurosciences globally,' it added. Calling the records of conditions ranging from schizophrenia to epilepsy to tumours 'invaluable', NIMHANS said that they 'span from the 1890s, during the era of the Mysore Lunatic Asylum through the period of All-India Institute of Mental Health (AIIMH), established in 1954. NIMHANS was established in 1974 by merging the Mental Hospital, established by the Government of Mysore, and the AIIMH, established by the Government of India. The records have been meticulously categorised and catalogued using KOHA software -- a free and open-source Integrated Library System -- to facilitate access for students and researchers. 'The diagnostic categories represented are notably diverse ranging from psychiatric conditions (e.g., schizophrenia, depression) to neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, dementia), and neurosurgical cases (e.g., head injuries, tumours),' NIMHANS said. "Each in-patient record captures the diagnostic understanding of its time, detailing treatment approaches and outcomes," it added. The initiative will enable researchers, students, and historians to explore diagnostic trends and treatment evolution. It will also help study the socio-medical context of health care in mental health and neuroscience in India. However, access "will require administrative and ethical approvals', NIMHANS said, adding that the institute will share detailed guidelines on how to access these resources for training and research purposes. 'This initiative marks a significant step in preserving both our institution's and the country's mental health and neuroscience heritage, while also supporting future research in the field,' NIMHANS said.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- New Indian Express
AI's role in mental health grows, sparks expert concern
BENGALURU: As the usage of AI is expanding to address the concerns of mental health, stress and other related issues, the experts pointed out that there is a need to understand that how various tools are being used, the type of information it is disseminating. Dr Prabha S Chandra, Professor and Head of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, said, the information has its positive and negative sides. She informed that patients are using AI as a convenient tool for them to seek solutions. Experts said people are validating the use of AI as they are not comfortable sharing their personal details with strangers, they fear being judged. The age group that is using AI is between 18-25 years. Conversation is essential to beat mental health issues. On one hand, it can reduce the load on therapists, but on the other, there is a need to understand and evaluate the process as in the long run, this will have adverse consequences, said ADBS coordinator and principal investigator, NIMHANS, Dr Sanjeev Jain. Officials in the Karnataka health department said that AI was becoming a challenge for them to reach out to people in peri-urban and rural areas as people are using AI to seek solutions to their problems. 'The solutions AI gives cannot be used for all, as one size does not fit all. The number of people approaching us is less,' said a mental health expert working with the health department. IISc, Centre for Brain Research experts said, 'Use of AI is affecting the cognitive skills and brain development. Now people are already stressed because of their over-dependence on it.' Dr Ajit V Bhide, noted consultant psychiatrist and former president of the Indian Psychiatry Society said, it should never be recommended as the first choice, especially when seeking medication.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Tele-MANAS to start video consultation for mental health support
The new Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) video consultation feature will allow people to talk directly with mental health professionals through video calls, the officials said. In Maharashtra, the helpline number 14416 is run by 20 mental health experts and counsellors from Pune, Thane, Nagpur and Ambejogai who have been trained by experts from NIMHANS, Bengaluru. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC) According to officials, the feature is currently in its final phase of testing. It is expected to be fully available across India by next fortnight. The staff training has already been completed, and the video call system has been activated in trial mode. Besides, users have already begun using the service and have provided feedback, helping the system prepare for a smooth rollout. Dr Prasanna Phutane, consultant psychiatrist and nodal officer, Tele-MANAS Pune, 'Till now, Tele-MANAS offered only audio support. Soon, people can speak face-to-face with psychologists, psychiatrists, or psychiatric social workers. This improvement aims to enhance communication and understanding between patients and mental health experts.' In Maharashtra, the helpline number 14416 is run by 20 mental health experts and counsellors from Pune, Thane, Nagpur and Ambejogai who have been trained by experts from NIMHANS, Bengaluru. Another senior official, on condition of anonymity, said, 'Video consultation brings comfort and clarity to people who often hesitate to seek mental health help. It's a safe and supportive step forward. The service will be especially helpful for people in remote, rural, or tribal areas, who may find it difficult to travel to mental health clinics. Besides, it will overcome the challenge of trained mental healthcare experts in remote areas.' Dr Phutane further informed that in India, over 11 crore people still suffer from mental health disorders, with 80% not seeking help, and the number continues to rise.
