A total of 120 cases involving children and adolescents have been have been referred to the St Giles Hospital by the courts in the last five years.
St Giles Acting Medical Superintendent, Doctor Sheetal Singh, says this is a huge number because these are the ones who are coming to them with problems, meaning they are being referred to them by the courts for psychiatric evaluation because they are involved in alleged illegal activities.
Doctor Singh says these members of the community might be causing trouble in relationships and may have destroyed private property and other such cases.
She says these are the ones who are being identified, and there are many others out there in the community who might be having symptoms of mental health conditions or symptoms of drug abuse, but they are not brought to them because it is not a significant issue yet.
Insert: Doctor Sheetal on reaching out 6th Mar 26
Doctor Singh also emphasizes the need for family members to seek help by reaching out to a counselling service, getting your child or family member seen.
She says these specialists will be able to identify what is actually causing the changes in behaviour.
She adds that most of the time patients are not aware that they need to be brought to St Giles, and it is very important for them to be informed early.
