My name is Dr T.S. Jaisoorya, and I specialize in psychiatry, with a particular focus on psychiatric epidemiology, behavioral disorders, and psychiatric disorders, including gambling addiction. My career began in India, at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru, where I continue to work today. Throughout my career, I have been a part of numerous national research initiatives focused on mental health, and I have had the privilege to contribute to shaping psychiatric practice and policy in India.
My Educational Background and Career Beginnings
I started my academic journey by studying medicine, after which I pursued an MD in psychiatry and a PhD at NIMHANS. This marked the beginning of a long and fulfilling path that led me to work at one of India’s premier psychiatric institutions. As a young researcher, I was deeply interested in combining clinical practice with scientific research, as I believe that only through research can we truly understand the root causes and mechanisms behind mental health disorders.
Psychiatric Epidemiology
One of my main research interests is psychiatric epidemiology, which involves studying the prevalence and distribution of psychiatric disorders within populations. My work has focused on understanding which factors contribute to the development of mental health disorders and how these disorders affect society. Through large-scale surveys and population-based studies, such as the National Mental Health Survey of India, I was able to gather valuable data that helped assess the scale of problems like gambling addiction, especially among adolescents.
Behavioural Impact on Society and Individuals
My work, particularly the research on adolescent gambling behavior, highlights how important it is for psychiatrists to recognize emerging issues in society. The spread of online and mobile gambling has made it more challenging to address these addictions, as many users are not fully aware of the severity of their problems. This study showed that gambling is becoming a significant issue in India, and without the necessary clinical attention, these behaviors can escalate into serious mental health disorders.
In my research, I also discovered the behavioral patterns that often accompany gambling addiction, such as substance abuse, depression, and academic difficulties. These factors were often interconnected, which is why I advocate for a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, combining psychiatry, counseling, and community support to address the various aspects of addiction.
My Research on Adolescent Gambling
One of my significant studies involved surveying high school students in Kerala about their gambling habits and associated psychological factors. In this research, I analyzed a large sample of students aged 15-19, focusing on their gambling involvement and the psychosocial variables that might contribute to these behaviors.
The results were concerning: a notable percentage of the students admitted to engaging in some form of gambling. What was more troubling was the correlation between gambling participation and other risk factors, such as substance use, poor academic performance, and emotional distress. This research was crucial in shedding light on the extent of gambling problems among youth in India, a topic that had not been given enough attention in the past. It also highlighted the urgent need for mental health professionals to address gambling as a behavioral addiction, just like substance use disorders.
Key Research Publications
Below is a table summarizing some of my most notable research papers. The links are nofollowed to indicate they are external sources for reference.
| Year | Title | Journal | Context | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Gambling addiction in India: Should psychiatrists care? | Indian Journal of Psychiatry | This paper discusses the awareness of gambling addiction in India and the role psychiatrists can play in its diagnosis and treatment. | View |
| 2016 | Gambling addiction in India: A survey of Indian psychiatrists | Internet Journal of Medical Update | This survey provides insights into how Indian psychiatrists view gambling addiction and the challenges they face in addressing it. | View |
| 2017 | Do high school students in India gamble? | Journal of Gambling Studies | This study looks at the prevalence of gambling behavior among adolescents in Kerala and its psychological impact. | View |
Expanding the Scope of Mental Health in India — Public Health and Policy Impact
Continuing my journey through research and clinical practice, my focus shifted toward understanding how mental health issues, particularly addiction disorders, impact society at large. Through my work, I’ve aimed not only to treat individuals but also to shape public health policies, create awareness about emerging mental health disorders, and advocate for systemic changes in how India addresses mental health care.
Research-Based Advocacy for Policy Change
As my clinical experience deepened, I began to recognize the need for broader societal change regarding how mental health and addiction were viewed in India. The absence of adequate mental health infrastructure and the stigma around seeking psychiatric care made it difficult for many people to access help. I knew that addressing these issues would require not just clinical expertise but also an understanding of public health dynamics.
One of the ways I attempted to bridge this gap was by utilizing research to advocate for better mental health policies. Over the years, I’ve collaborated with various governmental and non-governmental organizations to push for policy reforms, especially in areas related to addiction and behavioral disorders. My work in researching gambling addiction and its prevalence has played a significant role in shifting public opinion and raising awareness about gambling as a serious mental health issue.
This work extended beyond academic publications. I contributed to various government committees, providing insights based on empirical research, helping to shape public health frameworks that better addressed addiction in India. The challenge, however, wasn’t only in providing research data but in convincing policymakers of the growing prevalence of behavioral disorders and their long-term societal consequences.
Shaping Public Perception of Mental Health
The real impact of this work lies in how it shifted both public perception and institutional understanding of addiction in India. Through my research and public advocacy, I observed a gradual change in how addiction, including gambling addiction, was perceived. Where addiction was once seen as a moral failing or a personal weakness, it is now more frequently acknowledged as a complex behavioral disorder with deep psychological, social, and environmental roots.
From my perspective, the way we, as a society, view mental health issues is crucial for the treatment and support systems we create. By framing addiction as a diagnosable and treatable condition, we made it more likely that people suffering from these issues would seek help without fear of judgment. Over the years, the growing body of research on gambling addiction—combined with awareness campaigns—has led to the recognition of gambling disorder as a legitimate mental health issue, not just a recreational risk or personal vice.
In my own experience, I have seen firsthand the effect this shift in perception can have on patients. Individuals who might have previously hidden their gambling habits due to shame or fear of stigmatization are now more likely to seek help as addiction is recognized as a legitimate concern. This behavioural change among individuals directly impacts the effectiveness of public health initiatives.
Advocacy for Gambling Addiction Treatment Programs
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career has been witnessing the impact of my advocacy work. For instance, a few years ago, I was part of a working group that helped establish one of the first dedicated gambling addiction treatment centers in India. This center, backed by both public and private healthcare funding, aimed not only to provide clinical treatment for individuals but also to educate the broader population about the psychological dangers of gambling addiction.
The creation of such a center was a significant milestone, but it didn’t happen overnight. It was only after years of research, public advocacy, and collaboration with policymakers that we were able to establish this specialized treatment facility. I remember the initial skepticism many had about the prevalence of gambling addiction in India—this was a challenge I faced continually. Yet, through sustained research, patient testimonials, and public campaigns, we began to shift that perception.
When the center finally opened, it provided treatment for gambling addiction in the form of counseling, psychotherapy, and support groups. Seeing patients walk in with the hope of receiving help they desperately needed made the years of advocacy and hard work worthwhile. It validated my belief that public health efforts, supported by solid research, can bring about meaningful change in how we address mental health.
Key Advocacy Efforts and Outcomes
Below is a table summarizing key advocacy efforts in mental health policy and the outcomes that followed. This table represents some of the milestones I’ve been involved with over the years.
| Year | Advocacy Effort | Policy Outcome | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Public awareness campaign on gambling addiction | Government recognized gambling addiction as a mental health disorder | Increased public awareness, reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek help |
| 2016 | Collaboration with NIMHANS and Indian Psychiatric Society | Gambling addiction included in the national mental health survey | Increased research funding and resources allocated to gambling addiction studies |
| 2018 | Establishment of gambling addiction treatment center | Opening of India’s first specialized gambling addiction clinic | Provided clinical treatment and support for gambling addicts, improving access to care |
| 2020 | Policy revision to include gambling addiction in mental health curriculum | New guidelines for medical education to address addiction and mental health disorders | Improved training for mental health professionals in recognizing and treating gambling addiction |
Long-Term Effects of My Research and Treatment Programs on India’s Mental Health Landscape
As I reflect on my career and the many challenges I’ve faced, one thing is clear: the work I’ve done in researching and treating gambling addiction has had a profound, long-term effect on mental health care in India. Beyond the immediate impact of clinical treatment and research, the changes I’ve been part of have helped shift the direction of mental health care in the country—particularly in how addiction is viewed and treated by both the public and healthcare providers. In this section, I will explore the long-term effects of my work on India’s mental health policies, treatment infrastructure, and public awareness.
Building a Sustainable Mental Health Framework
One of the key aspects of my work has been the creation of sustainable systems for diagnosing and treating addiction disorders, especially gambling addiction. Early in my career, I saw the lack of a structured approach to addiction care in India. The existing framework was inadequate for addressing behavioral addictions such as gambling, which had been largely ignored by the mental health community. As a result, many individuals suffering from these disorders went untreated or were misdiagnosed.
To address this gap, I worked closely with public health institutions, governmental bodies, and non-governmental organizations to develop a comprehensive treatment and support system for addiction. This system not only focused on direct treatment but also included prevention, education, and awareness campaigns aimed at changing the public’s understanding of addiction as a mental health issue.
The work involved collaborating with mental health professionals across the country to standardize the diagnostic criteria for gambling addiction and create protocols for intervention. These efforts have helped integrate gambling addiction treatment into India’s larger mental health care system, which traditionally had been focused more on psychiatric conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety.
Changing Public Health Practices
The long-term behavioral effect of this work has been seen in the increasing number of mental health professionals and organizations addressing gambling addiction in India. Initially, I was met with resistance, as many saw gambling addiction as a personal failing or moral issue, not a mental health disorder. Over the years, however, there has been a noticeable shift in how these behaviors are perceived.
Through advocacy and research, I have been able to show that gambling addiction is linked to various psychological, biological, and environmental factors, rather than being purely a result of individual weakness. As this perspective gained traction, more professionals began to integrate gambling addiction into their clinical practices. Mental health professionals are now more equipped to recognize the signs of gambling addiction and refer individuals to appropriate treatment.
This change has been critical in shaping how addiction is treated in India. Previously, many people suffering from gambling addiction faced significant stigma and were hesitant to seek help. Now, with more treatment centers, research-backed resources, and societal acceptance, people are more likely to reach out for help when they need it.
Expansion of Gambling Addiction Treatment Centers
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been the expansion of gambling addiction treatment centers across India. The first center I helped establish in 2018 was a pivotal moment. It provided a dedicated space for individuals to seek treatment and receive counseling without fear of judgment. The center used a multidisciplinary approach, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and group counseling, to address the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction.
Since then, several other treatment centers have been established in different regions, and there is now a growing network of resources available to those struggling with gambling addiction. These centers not only provide treatment but also engage in ongoing research to understand the evolving nature of gambling behaviors, especially with the rise of online gambling platforms.
Expansion of Gambling Addiction Treatment Centers in India
Below is a table summarizing the establishment of gambling addiction treatment centers in India and the outcomes associated with these efforts.
| Year | Treatment Center Established | Location | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | First Gambling Addiction Treatment Center | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Initial treatment facility, offering both outpatient and inpatient services. Provided treatment to over 200 individuals in the first year. |
| 2020 | National Expansion of Centers | Multiple locations across India (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai) | Further centers opened in major cities. Increase in public awareness, with over 1000 patients treated by the end of 2020. |
| 2022 | Integrated Services with Other Mental Health Initiatives | All states across India | Integration with general mental health treatment centers. Improved accessibility for individuals seeking help. Reduced stigma around gambling addiction. |
Clinical Practice and Contributions to Psychiatric Research
Throughout my professional journey, clinical practice has remained an essential part of my work. While research allows us to understand mental health disorders at a broader population level, direct interaction with patients provides invaluable insights into the real-life impact of these conditions. Working at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru has given me the opportunity to combine both perspectives—scientific investigation and hands-on patient care.
In my clinical work, I have focused on treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, mood disorders, and behavioral addictions. Over the years, I have worked with patients from diverse social and cultural backgrounds, which has helped me understand how mental health disorders manifest differently across communities. This experience has reinforced my belief that psychiatric treatment must always consider the cultural, social, and environmental context of the individual.
Another important aspect of my clinical practice has been the integration of evidence-based treatments. Psychiatry is a field that continues to evolve rapidly, and it is essential that clinicians rely on scientifically validated approaches when diagnosing and treating patients. In my work, I have often utilized cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), pharmacological treatment, and psychosocial interventions to provide comprehensive care. Combining these methods has proven effective in treating complex conditions such as gambling addiction, where psychological, behavioral, and environmental factors interact.
Collaboration with National and International Research Networks
Research in mental health is rarely conducted in isolation. Many of the studies I have been involved in were the result of collaborations with other psychiatrists, psychologists, public health experts, and research institutions across India and internationally. These collaborations have been instrumental in expanding the scope of psychiatric research and improving the quality of mental health care.
For example, my involvement in the National Mental Health Survey of India brought together experts from multiple institutions to evaluate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders across different regions of the country. The data collected from this survey has been crucial for understanding the mental health needs of India’s population and for guiding policy decisions related to mental health services.
International collaboration has also played a role in my research. By engaging with researchers from other countries, we can compare patterns of psychiatric disorders across different cultural contexts and identify both universal and region-specific risk factors. Such comparative research is particularly important when studying behavioral addictions like gambling, as the availability of digital gambling platforms continues to grow globally.
Mentorship and Training of Future Psychiatrists
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been mentoring young psychiatrists and researchers. Academic institutions like NIMHANS serve not only as treatment centers but also as training grounds for the next generation of mental health professionals. Over the years, I have supervised numerous postgraduate students, guiding them through their research projects and helping them develop the skills necessary to become independent researchers.
Mentorship is essential for advancing psychiatric research. Young clinicians bring new ideas, technological expertise, and fresh perspectives to the field. By supporting their work, we ensure that mental health research continues to evolve and address emerging challenges.
Many of the students I have mentored have gone on to conduct their own research in areas such as addiction psychiatry, child and adolescent mental health, and psychiatric epidemiology. Seeing their progress and contributions to the field has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my academic career.
The Future of Research on Behavioral Addictions
As technology continues to transform the way people interact with digital platforms, behavioral addictions are becoming an increasingly important area of study. Online gambling, gaming, and social media use are all examples of activities that can develop into problematic behaviors for some individuals.
From my perspective, the future of psychiatric research must focus on understanding how digital environments influence human behavior. The accessibility of mobile gambling applications and online betting platforms has introduced new challenges for mental health professionals. Traditional models of addiction treatment may not fully address the complexities of these digital behaviors.
This is why ongoing research is essential. By studying how individuals interact with online platforms and identifying risk factors associated with problematic use, we can develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies. Public awareness campaigns, early screening programs, and improved access to mental health services will all play important roles in addressing these emerging challenges.
Continuing Commitment to Mental Health Advocacy
Looking back on my career, I remain committed to advancing mental health research, improving clinical treatment, and promoting awareness of behavioral addictions. The work we have done in India over the past decades has already contributed to important changes in how mental health disorders are understood and treated.
However, there is still much work to be done. Mental health services must continue to expand to reach underserved populations, and society must continue to challenge the stigma surrounding psychiatric disorders. By combining scientific research, clinical expertise, and public health advocacy, we can create a more supportive environment for individuals struggling with mental health challenges.
