Global Burden of Mental Disorders: Meeting the Challenge

Abstract

Mental disorders are one of the major contributors to the global burden of disease, constituting about 14% of the burden. Both severe mental disorders (SMDs) as well as the common metal disorders (CMDs) contribute to the global burden of disease and are responsible, and need active intervention on the part of mental health experts and the health planners. Inadequate mental health resources and a large untreated population are important contributors to the burden. Thus the global burden of disease due to mental disorders imposes a major challenge. Possible solutions include enhancing the manpower resources, improving the mental health literacy, integration of mental health in general medical care and active community participation. Under the National Mental Health Programme of India, a number of such activities have been undertaken. The primary care doctors are also an important resource, since they provide care to a vast majority of the patients with CMDs. Strengthening primary care for the mental disorders, raising community awareness, mental health promotion, and control of alcohol and substance abuse could be important strategies in meeting the challenge. There is also need for creating services for enhancing welfare measures for the patients with disability due to mental disorders. Barriers to the mental health care and services also need to be tackled.