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The WHO World Health Report 2001 on mental health

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 October 2011

Benedetto Saraceno*
Affiliation:
Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
*
Indirizzo per la corrispondenza: Dr. B. Saraceno, Director Mental Health and Substance Dependence, WHO, Geneva (Switzerland). Fax: +41-22-791.4160 E-mail: saracenob@who.int

Summary

Objective – 450 million people are estimated to suffer from neuropsychiatric conditions; approximately 10–20% of all children seem to have one or more mental or behavioural problems. Mental and neurological conditions account for 31% of all disability in the world. In epilepsy alone less than 25% of those affected receive treatment. In developing countries only a quarter of people suffering from schizophrenia receive treatment. Urgent action is needed to close the treatment gap and to overcome barriers. Governments need to take action with other partners to address these barriers and provide mental health services to those in need. Results – The World Health Report provides 10 recommendations for countries to begin taking action. These actions are divided into three scenarios: for countries with a very low level of mental health resources, for those with a medium level and for those with a high level of resources. Conclusions – The Report allows every nation to recognize itself in one of three scenarios and to adopt and implement die appropriate actions.

Riassunto

Scopo – La OMS stima che 450 milioni di persone soffrano di disturbi psichiatrici o neurologici e che fra il 10 e il 20% della popolazione infantile presenti qualche disturbo mentale o comportamentale. I disturbi mentali e neurologici rappresentano il 31% di tutte le disabilita. Tuttavia meno del 25% di coloro che soffrono di epilessia ricevono un trattamento e in paesi in via di sviluppo solo un quarto di coloro che soffrono di schizofrenia riceve un trattamento. Sono urgenti e necessarie misure per diminuire il gap nei trattamenti e per superare le barriere che impediscono l'accesso alle cure. I governi devono agire in coUaborazione con altri partner affinche tali barriere siano superate e l'assistenza per la salute mentale sia resa disponibile. Risultati – Il Rapporto Mondiale sulla Salute propone ai governi 10 raccomandazioni per l'azione. Le azioni suggerite sono classificate secondo tre scenari/paesi: a basso, medio e alto livello di risorse. Conclusioni – Il Rapporto rappresenta per i paesi uno strumento che consente di riconoscersi in uno dei tre scenari e di avviare azioni correttive conseguenti.

Type
Invited Papers
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2002

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References

REFERENCES

Saraceno, B. & Barbui, C. (1997). Poverty and Mental Illness. Canadian Journal Psychiatry 42 285290.Google Scholar
World Health organization (2001a). World Health Report 2001, Mental Health. New understanding, New Hope. World Health Organization: Geneva.Google Scholar
World Health Organization (2001b). Atlas – Mental Health Resources in the World 2001. World Health Organization: GenevaGoogle Scholar