Be wary of guilt

JAMBI, Jambi: An increasing number of the town's residents suffer from mental disorders characterized by hysteria and excessive guilt, an expert said yesterday.

"Hysteria and excessive guilt are the most common complaints that people have when they consult psychiatrists," chief the Jambi Mental Hospital Asianto Supargo said.

He added that mental disorders are generally minor, Antara reported.

Asianto said although he has no exact figures, he believed the number of townspeople suffering mental disorders is high. Moreover, he said not all sufferers consult psychiatrists.

Data shows that between 1994 and 1995, 626 people were admitted to the Jambi Mental Hospital. Of those, 442 were cured, Asianto said.

"In fact, people should not hesitate to consult psychiatrists because there is nothing taboo about mental disorders in this modern world," he said. (pan)