Psychiatrist Vlad Stroescu urges overhaul of Romania's mental health law

Vlad Stroescu, a psychiatrist with more than 20 years of experience, is pushing for a thorough update to Romania's mental health legislation. Stroescu, who has served as a resident doctor at Obregia Clinical Psychiatry Hospital and completed an emergency psychiatry internship in Metz, France, stresses the importance of increased budget allocation, improved infrastructure, and improved human resources to elevate mental health as a national priority.

In a recent interview, Stroescu addressed the stigmatization of mental illness within Romanian society. He argues against outdated views that separate 'normal' from 'abnormal,' suggesting that psychological suffering is a universal experience. This perspective is supported by the Dunedin study, which reveals that over 80% of individuals develop a clinical mental disorder by age 45.

Stroescu, who regularly contributes to 'Dilema veche,' 'Decât o revistă,' and 'Viața medicală,' contends that mental health is central to ongoing social changes and is intertwined with political dynamics. He also highlighted the way Romanian society addresses suicide and the often-hidden depression in seemingly functional individuals.

The COVID-19 pandemic, according to Stroescu, has left lasting impacts on mental health. He noted that many people developed obsessive behaviors, and those with anxiety disorders found validation as their fears aligned with the global crisis. Stroescu observed that medical staff, initially lauded, later faced criticism, highlighting the societal divides and differing realities that emerged during this period.

Stroescu concludes by emphasizing that mental suffering is a constant, with the brain's perpetual adaptation leading to pain, errors, and trauma. He calls for Romanian institutions to prioritize mental health, advocating for a modernized legal framework to effectively address these widespread issues.