Abstract
Mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorders are leading causes of the global burden of disease and profoundly impact the social and economic well-being of individuals and communities. The majority of people affected by MNS disorders globally do not have access to evidence-based interventions and many experience discrimination and abuses of their human rights. A United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) is needed to focus global attention on MNS disorders as a core development issue requiring commitments to improve access to care, promote human rights, and strengthen the evidence on effective prevention and treatment.
Highlights
The Essay section contains opinion pieces on topics of broad interest to a general medical audience
It is estimated that about 25 million people have dementia; this number is expected too reach over 80 million by 2040, with nearly three-quarters of affected people living in low- and middleincome countries (LMICs) [5]
MNS disorders are associated with low rates of treatment, poor treatment adherence, and increases in risky behaviors, influencing the risk of and outcomes in other noncommunicable (NCD) and communicable diseases
Summary
Neurological, and substance use disorders and related disabilities (MNS disorders) are leading contributors to the burden of disease globally. (The term MNS is a relatively new acronym coined by the World Health Organization [WHO] to refer to the complete range of disorders of the brain and the mind for its mental health Gap Action Programme [mhGAP].) Unipolar depressive disorders, alcohol use disorders, and self-inflicted injuries rank within the top 20 leading causes of burden of disease (as measured by disability adjusted life years [DALYs]) across all age groups and neuropsychiatric disorders, collectively, account for 22% of DALYs for women aged 15–59 years [1]. (The term MNS is a relatively new acronym coined by the World Health Organization [WHO] to refer to the complete range of disorders of the brain and the mind for its mental health Gap Action Programme [mhGAP].) Unipolar depressive disorders, alcohol use disorders, and self-inflicted injuries rank within the top 20 leading causes of burden of disease (as measured by disability adjusted life years [DALYs]) across all age groups and neuropsychiatric disorders, collectively, account for 22% of DALYs for women aged 15–59 years [1]. MNS disorders are associated with low rates of treatment, poor treatment adherence, and increases in risky behaviors, influencing the risk of and outcomes in other noncommunicable (NCD) and communicable diseases. Displacement, poverty, gender-based violence, and other social determinants of ill health increase the risk for MNS disorders [8,9], and MNS disorders are, in turn, associated with worsening of social and economic circumstances, setting up a vicious cycle of poverty and illness
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