While many development professionals recognise the need to do more for mental health, they do not always know where to begin. This topic guide is intended as a primer for development professionals interested in learning more about the basics specifically:
What are some of the key concepts and definitions in mental health?
Why has mental health emerged as a development priority in recent years?
What is the current situation in LMICs?
How does mental health intersect with other key areas of development?
What is the current state of the evidence, and where are the gaps?
This is not a comprehensive report or a substitute for formal training in mental health. A list of additional learning opportunities and resources is provided for further study in section 7.
This review examines the potential implications of not addressing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs resulting from conflict throughout the life course, including on longer term mental and physical health, communities and families (including intergenerational effects), and overall human development (including education and participation in the workforce).
A K4 helpdesk report, commissioned by DFID (UK), provides a rapid review of literature to provide best estimates of psychosocial disability in specific countries in the Middle East.
Topics discussed include:
Prevalence and different forms of mental health conditions and psychosocial disability
Factors influencing prevalence
Differences across demographics
Provision for those with psychosocial disabilities