Psychiatric Disability Assessment and Benefits: Comparison Between Four Countries on Different Continents

Abstract

Background: The conceptualization of disability underwent a significant transformation with the release of “The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (WHO - ICF)” by the World Health Organization in 2001. This framework redefined disability as a complex interplay between an individual’s health condition, environmental and personal factors, body structures, societal participation, and the stigma encountered. Various countries support people with disability in different ways. This review is aimed at analyzing the disability benefits of 4 different countries. Methods: An initial online literature search did not provide the information that was eventually found on government websites and documents. Results: Developed countries provide a wide range of disability benefits to not just patients but also their carers, such as carer allowances and payments. Discussion: The caregiver plays a significant role in ensuring that the patient with a disability is adequately supported, so it is the duty of the state to ensure that the caregivers are also compensated for the hard work they put in. In India, we do not have any such support system for caregivers of persons with disabilities, leading to increased caregiver burden Conclusion: The carer plays a significant role in ensuring that the patient with disability is adequately supported. Therefore, it is the duty of the state to ensure that the carers are also compensated for the hard work they put in. India does not have such a support system for carers of persons with disability, leading to an increased burden on the caregiver. Governments must amend the existing rules to address caregiver burden.