WHO Mental Disorders

What is mental health according to WHO?

A state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.

What key aspects does mental health include?

Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

Why is mental health important for individuals?

It affects how we think, feel, and act and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.

Name three broad categories of determinants of mental health.

Individual attributes, social and economic circumstances, and environmental factors.

Provide examples of individual factors influencing mental health.

Emotional skills, substance use, and genetics.

Provide examples of socio-economic and environmental factors influencing mental health.

National policies, social protection, living standards, working conditions, community support, and exposure to violence.

What do mental health conditions encompass?

Mental disorders, psychosocial disabilities, and other mental states associated with significant distress, impairment in functioning, or risk of harm.

What is the key difference between 'mental health' and 'mental health conditions'?

Everyone has mental health, but not everyone will experience a mental health condition.

What is the global impact of mental health conditions?

They are a leading cause of disability worldwide.

How do mental health conditions impact individuals' daily lives?

They can cause significant distress, impaired functioning, and an increased risk of harm.

Why is promoting mental health considered essential?

It is essential for personal well-being, community vitality, and socio-economic development.

What type of mental health care does WHO recommend?

Comprehensive, integrated mental health care delivered close to communities.

List some components of comprehensive mental health care.

Promoting mental health, preventing conditions, providing care, facilitating recovery, and protecting human rights.

Where should mental health care services ideally be delivered?

Close to communities, leveraging primary health care, general hospitals, and community-based services.

Name two categories of WHO's work in mental health.

Strengthening governance and providing comprehensive services.

What is the key WHO document guiding mental health efforts?

The Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030.

How are mental disorders defined?

Characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior.

What do mental disorders reflect regarding mental functioning?

Dysfunction in psychological, biological, or developmental processes underlying mental functioning.

List some common mental disorders.

Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, dementia, and developmental disorders.

Approximately how many people globally live with a mental disorder?

About one in eight people globally.

What are the broader impacts of mental disorders on individuals?

Reduced quality of life, challenges in daily functioning, and increased risk of physical health issues.

What are the two most common mental disorders worldwide?

Depression and anxiety disorders.

What is depression characterized by?

Persistent sadness and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities, along with other symptoms like changes in appetite/sleep and fatigue.

Name three common symptoms of depression.

Persistent sadness, loss of interest/pleasure, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns.

What defines anxiety disorder?

Characterized by excessive fear and worry and related behavioral disturbances.

List some physical symptoms associated with anxiety attacks.

Shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, trembling, and rapid heart rate.

How is bipolar disorder characterized?

Alternating episodes of mania (or hypomania) and depression.

What are typical symptoms of a manic phase in bipolar disorder?

Elevated mood, increased activity, rapid speech, reduced need for sleep, and grandiose ideas.

What is schizophrenia?

A severe mental disorder characterized by significant disturbances in thinking, emotion, and behavior.

Name some symptoms of schizophrenia.

Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thought and speech, and abnormal motor behavior.

List three risk factors for developing mental disorders.

Genetics, brain chemistry, and psychological trauma.

Name three protective factors for mental health.

Social support, a healthy lifestyle, and effective coping skills.

What is known as the 'treatment gap' in mental health?

The significant difference between the number of people with mental disorders and those who receive evidence-based care.

Why does a significant treatment gap for mental disorders exist?

Due to low investment, poor quality of care, shortage of skilled health providers, stigma, and discrimination.

What human rights violations are commonly faced by people with mental disorders?

Forced admission/treatment, physical/psychological abuse, and denial of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

What is recommended to ensure human rights in mental health care?

Respecting human rights and providing person-centred, recovery-oriented care.

What is the global average investment in mental health care as a percentage of national health budgets?

Less than 2% of national health budgets.

What shift in investment is crucial for improving mental health care?

Shifting investment from institutional care (large mental hospitals) to community-based care.

What are two key calls to action recommended by WHO for mental health?

Integrating mental health into primary care and ensuring access to quality, affordable care.

What is mental health according to WHO?

A state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.

What key aspects does mental health include?

Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

Why is mental health important for individuals?

It affects how we think, feel, and act and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.

Name three broad categories of determinants of mental health.

Individual attributes, social and economic circumstances, and environmental factors.

Provide examples of individual factors influencing mental health.

Emotional skills, substance use, and genetics.

Provide examples of socio-economic and environmental factors influencing mental health.

National policies, social protection, living standards, working conditions, community support, and exposure to violence.

What do mental health conditions encompass?

Mental disorders, psychosocial disabilities, and other mental states associated with significant distress, impairment in functioning, or risk of harm.

What is the key difference between 'mental health' and 'mental health conditions'?

Everyone has mental health, but not everyone will experience a mental health condition.

What is the global impact of mental health conditions?

They are a leading cause of disability worldwide.

How do mental health conditions impact individuals' daily lives?

They can cause significant distress, impaired functioning, and an increased risk of harm.

Why is promoting mental health considered essential?

It is essential for personal well-being, community vitality, and socio-economic development.

What type of mental health care does WHO recommend?

Comprehensive, integrated mental health care delivered close to communities.

List some components of comprehensive mental health care.

Promoting mental health, preventing conditions, providing care, facilitating recovery, and protecting human rights.

Where should mental health care services ideally be delivered?

Close to communities, leveraging primary health care, general hospitals, and community-based services.

Name two categories of WHO's work in mental health.

Strengthening governance and providing comprehensive services.

What is the key WHO document guiding mental health efforts?

The Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030.

How are mental disorders defined?

Characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior.

What do mental disorders reflect regarding mental functioning?

Dysfunction in psychological, biological, or developmental processes underlying mental functioning.

List some common mental disorders.

Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, dementia, and developmental disorders.

Approximately how many people globally live with a mental disorder?

About one in eight people globally.

What are the broader impacts of mental disorders on individuals?

Reduced quality of life, challenges in daily functioning, and increased risk of physical health issues.

What are the two most common mental disorders worldwide?

Depression and anxiety disorders.

What is depression characterized by?

Persistent sadness and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities, along with other symptoms like changes in appetite/sleep and fatigue.

Name three common symptoms of depression.

Persistent sadness, loss of interest/pleasure, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns.

What defines anxiety disorder?

Characterized by excessive fear and worry and related behavioral disturbances.

List some physical symptoms associated with anxiety attacks.

Shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, trembling, and rapid heart rate.

How is bipolar disorder characterized?

Alternating episodes of mania (or hypomania) and depression.

What are typical symptoms of a manic phase in bipolar disorder?

Elevated mood, increased activity, rapid speech, reduced need for sleep, and grandiose ideas.

What is schizophrenia?

A severe mental disorder characterized by significant disturbances in thinking, emotion, and behavior.

Name some symptoms of schizophrenia.

Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thought and speech, and abnormal motor behavior.

What is dementia?

An umbrella term for several diseases affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life.

List three risk factors for developing mental disorders.

Genetics, brain chemistry, and psychological trauma.

Name three protective factors for mental health.

Social support, a healthy lifestyle, and effective coping skills.

What is known as the 'treatment gap' in mental health?

The significant difference between the number of people with mental disorders and those who receive evidence-based care.

Why does a significant treatment gap for mental disorders exist?

Due to low investment, poor quality of care, shortage of skilled health providers, stigma, and discrimination.

What human rights violations are commonly faced by people with mental disorders?

Forced admission/treatment, physical/psychological abuse, and denial of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

What is recommended to ensure human rights in mental health care?

Respecting human rights and providing person-centred, recovery-oriented care.

What is the global average investment in mental health care as a percentage of national health budgets?

Less than 2% of national health budgets.

What shift in investment is crucial for improving mental health care?

Shifting investment from institutional care (large mental hospitals) to community-based care.

What are two key calls to action recommended by WHO for mental health?

Integrating mental health into primary care and ensuring access to quality, affordable care.

What specific global events can significantly impact mental health?

Poverty, conflict, disasters, and infectious disease outbreaks.

Do evidence-based interventions exist specifically to prevent mental disorders, including for adolescents?

Yes.

What percentage of people globally with psychosis do not receive mental health services?

71%.

What is the approximate per capita spending on mental health in low- and middle-income countries?

Less than US1 per capita.

Name some other common mental disorders not previously listed in detail.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), Eating disorders, and Disruptive behaviour disorders.

Name additional risk factors for mental disorders beyond genetics, brain chemistry, and psychological trauma.

Exposure to adversity (e.g., poverty, violence, neglect), sudden social change, ongoing stress, unhealthy lifestyle, and risk of physical illness.

List specific protective factors for mental health.

Physical exercise, healthy diet, adequate sleep, safe and stable living environments, positive social interaction, and good quality education.

What types of interventions are available for the treatment and recovery of mental disorders?

Evidence-based psychosocial, pharmacological, and human rights-based interventions.

What are some broader economic and societal impacts of mental disorders?

Lower productivity and premature mortality.

When was the WHO's Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan updated and extended to 2030?

In 2021.

Beyond strengthening governance and providing comprehensive services, what other areas does WHO focus on in mental health?

Developing community-based services, implementing mental health promotion and prevention strategies, strengthening information systems, and research.

What important WHO report on mental health was published in 2022?

The World Mental Health Report: transforming mental health for all.

In what types of countries is access to mental health care especially limited?

Low- and middle-income countries.