ABSTRACT
In the Chinese culture, there was an evolution of naming terminology. ‘Neurasthenia, hysteria, hypochondriasis’ are all relatively old-fashioned diagnostic labels. Nowadays, psychological problems are still largely regarded as non-reimbursable conditions by the insurance industry. Mostly out-of-pocket payment and escalating drug costs pose a major barrier to health-seeking decisions, which directly lead to a continuing mental health epidemic in society. Stigmatisation has also ever been a major obstacle for the community. Moreover, there is a lack of efficient family medicine due to sluggish governmental support, and only an unproportioned small group of primary care physicians are managing the commonest mild form of mood disorder, which is still largely seen by expertise specialist psychiatrists. Psychogeriatric and neurodegenerative problems pose a tremendous demand for the unique dual-track health care system in Hong Kong, China. The elderly population has already overwhelmed the public health care system and progressively devastated health care financing for years. It is urged for the policy makers to turn to evidenced-based practices and update public health initiatives to combat the continued raising mental health crisis as a result of emerging infectious, societal and political challenges, and technological advancements, with the aiming to improve mental wellness in the community.
