Psychiatric drug shortages in Iran spark health concerns

A shortage and rising cost of psychiatric medications in Iran are forcing many patients to reduce their dosages or discontinue treatment entirely to save money. Seyed Vahid Shariat, president of the Iranian Psychiatric Association, warned that these economic pressures are leading to a potential surge in disease relapse and an increased need for hospitalizations.

Shariat noted that certain injectable psychiatric drugs have become nearly impossible to find. This trend is expected to create a crisis in the healthcare system, as hospitals are already facing a shortage of psychiatric beds. The economic situation is also causing patients to delay regular medical visits, which may increase the risk of substance and alcohol abuse.