Selected Topics - Mental Health

Events

• School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW - Upcoming Events

Global policies and related documents

• National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (USA)
  This site contains information about suicide and suicide prevention. It includes details of the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Strategy, News features, Reports and access to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center a cooperative center that helps communities increase their ability to develop, implement and evaluate suicide prevention programmes.
• WHO mental health atlas 2011
  Key messages: 1. Resources to treat and prevent mental disorders remain insufficient; 2. Resources for mental health are inequitably distributed; 3. Resources for mental health are inefficiently utilized; [and] 4. Institutional care for mental disorders may be slowly decreasing worldwide.
• WHO Resource book on mental health, human rights and legislation
  This Resource book brings together important information on international human rights standards related to mental health. It provides practical guidance on key issues that governments need to consider and incorporate into their national mental health laws as well as useful strategies to facilitate the development, adoption and implementation of the laws.

Reports, guidelines and projects

• Atlas of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Resources, Global Concerns and Implications for the Future
  The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Atlas project is a systematic attempt to collect information from countries on existing services and resources. This project is led by the World Health Organization,Geneva, in collaboration with the WHO Regional Offices and partner organisations and assisted through collaboration with the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions and the World Psychiatric Association Global Presidential Programme on Child Mental Health.
• Challenges and priorities for global mental health research in low- and middle-income countries
  "Mental and neurological disorders are responsible for 13% of the global burden of disease and unipolar depressive disorder is projected to become the second leading cause of health burden by 2030. Yet mental health remains a neglected and under-resourced area of public health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Risk factors for mental illness such as poverty and conflict have a greater impact in low- and middle-income countries and stigma, co-morbidity and increased risk of injury further heighten the burden. Weak infrastructure, a lack of specialist workforce and low levels of investment prevent many from receiving adequate treatment. The Academy held a one-day symposium on Thursday 4th September 2008 at the Royal Society in London to raise awareness of the burden of mental health in low- and middle-income countries. The event included presentations by national and international experts and provided a forum for discussion between researchers, clinicians, policymakers and a range of stakeholders. The symposium also provided an opportunity to highlight the latest advances in research, to discuss the development of effective and affordable treatments, and to identify both barriers to progress and areas where greater action may be required."
• Child and adolescent mental health: A guide for healthcare professionals
  "This report is aimed at healthcare professionals and policy makers. It examines the types of problems faced by children and young people aged five to 17 years and the prevalence of mental health problems among this age group. It discusses barriers to the necessary provision of treatment, including stigma and discrimination. It considers the strategies in place to provide care, looking at the situation in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and how effective these strategies are proving in practice. It goes on to look at mental health promotion, and finally makes recommendations for action and lists sources of further information."
• Improving the Health of Canadians: Mental Health, Delinquency and Criminal Activity
  "The pathways linking mental health, delinquency and criminal activity are interrelated. Mental health can be influenced by various individual, social, cultural, physical and socio-economic determinants. These factors can, in isolation or combination, be related to delinquency and criminal activity. Among youth, for example, research shows that various factors related to mental health within the individual, family, school/peer and community setting are linked to youth's risk of engaging in aggressive behaviour and delinquency. Research also shows that youth involved with the criminal justice system are at high risk for compromised mental health, mental illness, suicide and addictions. A similar pattern is seen among incarcerated adults. Further, in some cases, mental health issues can precede criminal activity; in others, they may develop or worsen with continued criminal involvement and for some, with incarceration. The Improving the Health of Canadians: Mental Health, Delinquency and Criminal Activity report provides an overview of the latest research, analyses and policy initiatives related to mental health, delinquency and criminal activity. It also presents data on the characteristics of and issues facing individuals with a mental illness who were or are involved with the criminal justice system."
• Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General
  "This Report of the Surgeon General on Mental Health is the product of a collaboration between two Federal agencies. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which provides national leadership and funding to the states and many professional and citizen organizations that are striving to improve the availability, accessibility, and quality of mental health services".
• Mental health and development: targeting people with mental health conditions as a vulnerable group
  The new WHO report on mental health and development is a call to action to all development stakeholders – governments, civil society, multilateral agencies, bilateral agencies, global partnerships, private foundations, academic and research institutions – to focus their attention on mental health. The report presents compelling evidence that persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities are a vulnerable group but continue to be marginalized in terms of development aid and government attention. It makes the case for reaching out to this group through the design and implementation of appropriate policies and programmes and through the inclusion of mental health interventions into broader poverty reduction and development strategies. The report also describes a number of key interventions which can provide a starting point for these efforts. By investing in persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities, development outcomes can be improved. [publisher overview] [World Health Organization, 2010]
• Mental health and well-being at the workplace: Protection and inclusion in challenging times
  "Mental health problems have many effects on the individual at the workplace. The productivity of individuals with unsupported mental health needs may decline while at work: presenteeism. Mental health problems can affect work performance in terms of increase in error rates, poor decision-making, loss of motivation and commitment, tension and conflicts between colleagues. Burnout and depression as well as stress-related physical conditions such as high blood pressure, sleeping disorders and low resistance to infections can result in an increase in overall sickness absence. Work-related stress and poor mental health are major reasons not only for absenteeism but also for occupational disability and for workers seeking early retirement. Mental disorders affect individuals and their employment much beyond the economic issues. People with mental disorders face stigmatization, social exclusion and barriers in obtaining equal opportunities at all levels of life. Finding a job in the open labour market, returning to work or retaining a job after sickness absence due to mental health problems is often a double challenge because of the stigma attached to the label “mental”. People with mental health problems have twice the risk of losing their jobs and are disproportionately out of work." [WHO Regional Office for Europe - Copenhagen, Denmark, 2010]
• Mental health aspects of women’s reproductive health: A global review of the literature
  "This review is a contribution towards raising awareness on an emerging issue of major importance to public health. Its purpose is to provide information on the often neglected interlinks between these two areas so that public health professionals, planners, policy makers, and programme managers may engage in dialogue to consider policies and interventions that address the multiple dimensions of reproductive health in an integrated way. The review comprises the most recent data from both high- and low-income countries on the ways in which women’s mental health intersects with their reproductive health. The framework for analysis employed here is informed by two interconnected concepts: gender and human rights, especially reproductive rights."
• Policies and practices for mental health in Europe: Meeting the challenges
  "[This] report by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, co-funded by the European Commission… provides data not hitherto available on mental health policy and practice across the WHO European Region. It also highlights important information gaps. Policies and Practices for Mental Heath in Europe allows for country-to-country comparisons on indicators such as numbers of psychiatrists, financing, community services, training of workforce, prescription of antidepressants, and representation of users and carers.…The data were obtained from the ministries of health of 42 European Member States. Over 150 figures and tables in the report demonstrate the diversity across the European Region, and allow country to country comparisons of indicators such as numbers of psychiatrists, financing, community services, training of the workforce, the prescription of anti-depressants and representation of users and carers."
• Prevalence of Depression–PTSD Comorbidity: Implications for Clinical Practice Guidelines and Primary Care-based Interventions
  Background: Compared to those with depression alone, depressed patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience more severe psychiatric symptomatology and factors that complicate treatment. Objective: To estimate PTSD prevalence among depressed military veteran primary care patients and compare demographic/illness characteristics of PTSD screen-positive depressed patients (MDD-PTSD+) to those with depression alone (MDD). Design: Cross-sectional comparison of MDD patients versus MDD-PTSD+ patients. Participants: Six hundred seventy-seven randomly sampled depressed patients with at least 1 primary care visit in the previous 12 months. Participants composed the baseline sample of a group randomized trial of collaborative care for depression in 10 VA primary care practices in 5 states. Measurements: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 assessed MDD. Probable PTSD was defined as a Primary Care PTSD Screen≥3. Regression-based techniques compared MDD and MDD-PTSD+ patients on demographic/illness characteristics. Results: Thirty-six percent of depressed patients screened positive for PTSD. Adjusting for sociodemographic differences and physical illness comorbidity, MDD-PTSD+ patients reported more severe depression (P<.001), lower social support (P<.001), more frequent outpatient health care visits (P<.001), and were more likely to report suicidal ideation (P<.001) than MDD patients. No differences were observed in alcohol consumption, self-reported general health, and physical illness comorbidity. Conclusions: PTSD is more common among depressed primary care patients than previously thought. Comorbid PTSD among depressed patients is associated with increased illness burden, poorer prognosis, and delayed response to depression treatment. Providers should consider recommending psychotherapeutic interventions for depressed patients with PTSD. [author abstract] [J Gen Intern Med. 2007 June; 22(6): 711–718]
• Public health interventions to promote positive mental health and prevents mental health disorders among adults: evidence review
  “This evidence briefing is a review of reviews about the effectiveness of public health interventions aiming to promote positive mental health and prevent mental health disorders among adults.”
• Social cohesion for mental well-being among adolescents
  The WHO/HBSC Forum 2007 process engaged intersectoral policy-makers, researchers and programme managers from 17 Member States in considering the following issues: translating research into policies and action; intersectoral action; addressing health inequities; and involving young people. The Forum process also included the preparation of background papers on: cross-national HBSC data on mental well-being in school-aged children in Europe; socioeconomic inequalities in mental health among adolescents in Europe; and economic aspects of mental health in children and adolescents. National and subnational case studies were a core component of the WHO/HBSC Forum 2007 process. The aim of the case studies is not to record best practices, but to document experiences in relation to enabling and restraining factors in building social cohesion for mental well-being among adolescents.
• The treatment gap in mental health care
  This report, published as part of the Bulletin of the World Health Organisation, asserts that many people suffering from psychiatic illnesses remain untreated, although effective treatment exists. The report examines the extent of this gap between the prevalance and treatment of psychiatric disorders globally.
• WHO Mental Health Policy and Service Guide Package
  This WHO package consists of a series of inter-related user friendly modules designed to address a wide range of needs and priorities in policy development and service planning. The topic of each module represents a core aspect of mental health. The package consists of; The Mental Health Context, The Mental Health Policy Programmes and Plans Update, Planning and Budgeting to Deliver Services for Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Policies and Plans, Mental Health Financing, Advocacy for Mental Health, Mental Health Legislation and Human Rights, Organization of Services for Mental Health, Quality and Improvement for Mental Health, Improving Access and Use of Psychotropic Medicines, Human Resources and Training in Mental Health and Mental Health Information Systems
• World Mental Health Survey Initiative
  The WMH Survey Initiative is a project of the Assessment, Classification, and Epidemiology (ACE) Group at the World Health Organization coordinating the implementation and analysis of general population epidemiologic surveys of mental, substance use, and behavioral disorders in countries in all WHO Regions.

Educational resources

• Autism Online
  "The mission of AutismOnline is to connect the parents of newly diagnosed children with autism and professionals working with these children with critical resources, support, and research information in their own language".
• Our Consumer Place Clearinghouse
  This Australian Clearinghouse provides information on relevant websites, consumer / survivor stories, consumer support sites, resource centres, journals - full text, journal articles, books, books available for sale, newsletters, reports / publications / conference papers and audio / radio programs.
• SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education)
  SAVE's Mission is to prevent suicide through public awareness and education, eliminate stigma and serve as a resource to those touched by suicide.

Organisations and Networks

• Our Consumer Place
  "Our Consumer Place - www.ourconsumerplace.com.au - has been developed by consumers for consumers. It is funded by the Department of Health (Government of Victoria [Australia]) and auspiced by Our Community. We are a consumer-run mental health resource centre that offers information and advice to individuals and groups in who are providing consumer developed initiatives (CDIs)."

UN and multinational

• WHO Mental Health homepage
  WHO's Mental Health and Substance Abuse programme provides leadership and guidance for the achievement of two broad objectives; closing the gap between what is needed and what is provided to reduce the burden of mental illnesses worldwide and promoting mental health.

Government

• Black Dog Institute
  The Black Dog Institute is an educational body dedicated to improving understanding, diagnosis and treatment of depression and bipolar disorder. The Institute is attached to the Prince of Wales Hospital and affiliated with the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.
• LiFe: Life is for Everyone...Suicide Prevention in Australia
  The LiFe website has been developed by the Australian Network for Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health (Auseinet) as part of its commitment to facilitating networks for information exchange and learning under the Australian Government National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS).
• Mental Health Commission (New Zealand)
  The New Zealand Mental Health Commission has three main purposes; to monitor and report to Government on the performance of the Ministry of Health and District Health Board in the implementation of the Government's National Mental Health Strategy, work with the sector to promote better understanding by the public of mental illness, and eliminate discrimination strengthen the mental health workforce
• National Institute of Mental Health
  The National Institute of Mental Health is one of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health. The Institute works to improve mental health through biomedical research on mind, brain, and behavior.

Non Government

• Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention
  "The aim of the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP) is to promote, conduct, and support comprehensive intersectoral programs of research activities for the prevention of suicidal behaviours in Australia."
• Canadian Centre for Suicide Prevention
  "The Canadian Centre for Suicide Prevention has three main branches - The Suicide Information & Education Collection (SIEC), a special library and resource centre providing information on suicide and suicidal behaviour, The Suicide Prevention Training Programs (SPTP) branch and the Suicide Prevention Research Projects (SPRP)".
• Clifford Beers Foundation
  Established in 1996 The Clifford Beers Foundation is a UK charity devoted to the promotion of mental health. The Foundation has developed a range of initiatives and collaborative ventures with colleagues throughout the world, including the publication of the International Journal for Mental Health Promotion.
• European Federation of Associations of Families of People with Mental Illness
  Hosted by the European Federation of Associations of Families of People with Mental Illness (EUFAMI), this website seeks to provide a resource for people affected by severe mental illness and their organisations. It contains information about EUFAMI, our members and other useful sources that help provide solutions for mental health issues
• Finnish Association for Mental Health
  The mission of the Finnish Association for Mental Health FAMH is to promote mental health and to have good mental health considered essential on all levels of society and in all spheres of life. A non-governmental organisation (NGO), FAMH stimulates interaction between individual people and communities, while activating citizens to work for the welfare of their own communities.
• Intercamhs
  Intercamhs is an international alliance that aims to promote the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. Intercamhs' vision is that mental health will be addressed through collaborative interdisciplinary whole school approaches for all school community members across nations.
• International Society for Mental Health
  "The International Society for Mental Health Online (ISMHO) was formed in 1997 to promote the understanding, use and development of online communication, information and technology for the international mental health community. ISMHO is a nonprofit organization".
• MIND
  Mind is a leading mental health charity in England and Wales. It aims to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress by advancing the views, needs and ambitions of people with mental health problems, challenging discrimination and promoting inclusion and influencing policy through campaigning and education.
• SANE, Australia
  SANE Australia is a national charity helping people affected by mental illness through: Campaigns, Education and Research.
• SANE, U.K.
  SANE is one of the UK's leading charities concerned with improving the lives of everyone affected by mental illness. Its major objective is to raise awareness and respect for people with mental illness and their families, improve education and training, and secure better services.
• Stigma.org
  Stigma.org is the international organising body of a global campaign to prevent discrimination and exclusion of those who suffer from mental health illnesses. The aim of the collaboration is to ensure that human dignity is accorded to all those who suffer from those disorders, that they are not discriminated against in respect of work, employment or sickness, and that they are allowed to reach their potential by coexisting equally in society.
• World Federation for Mental Health
  The World Federation for Mental Health is an international, multidisciplinary, grassroots advocacy and education organisation concerned with all aspects of mental health. The organisation was founded in 1948 to advance, among all peoples and nations, the prevention of mental and emotional disorders, the proper treatment and care of those with such disorders, and the promotion of mental health.

Academic Institutions with particular focus in this area

• Centre for International Mental Health (Melbourne, Australia)
  The Centre for International Mental Health (CIMH) is dedicated to research, teaching and policy reform in the field of mental health, in Australia and the broader international community. The two main areas of work are in capacity development for mental health in low-income and post-conflict societies, and the development of mental health services for multicultural societies.

Key Conferences, conference and workshop reports

Conference reports

Journals, Newsletters, Forums

• Connects Conference Centre
  The Connects Conference Centre is owned and run by the Mental Health Foundation, incorporating the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities. The Mental Health Foundation is the leading UK charity working in mental health and learning disabilities. The Centre is the leading online venue for mental health and learning disability conferences.

Bibliographies, Libraries

Public health bookshops

• Public Health bookshop