Question

It is difficult to place mental health high on the public health agenda of low- and middleincome countries that face an enormous burden from communicable diseases. Which evidence-based arguments might you make to challenge the notion that mental health is a luxury item on the health agenda of such countries

Answer 1

There is a large 'treatment gap' about mental health in low and middle income countries. A health agenda should understand that there is no an integral or complete health without mental health. This treatment gap is due to 80% of global population live in low and middle income countries but only 20% of the mental health resources are destined for low and middle income countries. Then, the first argument is about equity and providing people basic necessities.

There are efficient drug and psychological treatments for mental disorders but the lack of attention to mental health has led to that five of the top ten contributors to years lived with disability were mental health problems. This sets a vicious cycle of disadvantage and social exclusion. The Global Burden of Disease report states how delivering psychological treatment or stepped care interventions for mental disorders from non-specialist health care workers can reduce large treatment periods for health disorders and their associated disabilities.