The role of research in the prevention of mental disorders

Abstract

This article discusses the role of research in the prevention of mental disorders. Research on mental health is disproportionate to the burden of mental disorder, this imbalance being even deeper for low and middle-income countries. The situation is much more disappointing in respect of research relating to mental disorder prevention. Many significant studies have further brought to the fore that, at any given time, one in five young people will present one or more mental, emotional, or behavioral (MEB) disorders. Mental health professionals can reduce the burden of MEB disorders by reducing risk factors, increasing protective factors, and undertaking early interventions in new cases of MEB disorders. Research is the only means that can pave the way for us to acquire new knowledge and refine old knowledge thereof. It would, in turn, strengthen information systems, evidence, and research, and could be instrumental for MEB prevention. Any country is in a vulnerable situation in terms of its health care needs for MEB disorders in children and adolescents. Mental health is everybody’s business; it is an issue of shared responsibility. However, mental health professionals must play a leading role through MEB disorder research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved)