(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-02-06 14:44

BEIJING - China plans to incorporate psychological courses to the curriculum of 80 percent of schools in urban areas and 50 percent in rural areas by 2010, according to the Ministry of Health.

By 2010, 40 percent of middle and elementary schools in cities will have professional psychological teachers and mental health counseling offices, and the figure for rural schools is estimated at 10 percent, according to an eight-year national plan on mental health work (2008 - 2015)

In addition, mental health recovery services will be provided in 70 percent of cities, counties and regions across the country by 2010.

The stress of living in a highly competitive and fast-paced society is perturbing a growing number of Chinese.

More than 70 percent Chinese netizens have suffered psychological problems, including amnesia, anxiety and scatterbrained problems. However, 90 percent of them never resort to psychological doctors, according to a survey conducted by 39.com website last year.

The Ministry of Health claims about 16 million people suffer mental disorders in China, but experts claim up to 100 million - including at least 30 million young - may suffer from some kind of mental or psychological discomfort.

Focusing on the prevention and control of mental diseases, the country's mental health work will require integrated efforts from government, relevant organizations and all people in the society, says the plan.

The plan was jointly issued by the Ministry of Health and other 16 ministries on Saturday.