Abstract
INTRODUCTION: India bears a dual burden of tuberculosis (TB) and mental health (MH) disorders, both of which are underdiagnosed due to stigma and diagnostic challenges. These conditions frequently coexist, forming a syndemic that has significant implications for public health.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the bidirectional relationship between TB and MH disorders, highlighting the impact on TB treatment outcomes, including higher risks of nonadherence, loss to follow-up, and mortality. This review emphasizes the need for integrating MH screening and support into TB programs to improve patient outcomes and ensure holistic care.
CONCLUSION: Despite the profound interplay between TB and MH disorders, MH remains inadequately addressed in TB care. Simple screening tools and community-based interventions can facilitate early detection and treatment. Integrating MH support, reducing stigma, and promoting collaboration between healthcare workers and MH professionals are vital to achieving World Health Organization (WHO)'s patient-centered care goals. Addressing this syndemic holistically is essential to improve outcomes for those affected and advance TB care standards in India.