The European Commission has published a new and very detailed independent comparative study of mental health services in Europe. Entitled “European profile of prevention and promotion of mental health“, the 588 page report provides possibly the most detailed profile of mental health systems across EU Member States and other countries, with a focus on mental illness and mental health promotion activities.
The Executive summary states:
‘Many people are affected by mental health problems and the impact and consequences are considerable. Prevention of mental illness and promotion of mental health have become important areas of focus among European Union (EU) policy makers. … The report comprises:
- a review of the relevant European literature;
- a series of 29 country profiles (EU Member States and other countries, Croatia1 and Norway), and analyses of these;
- suggestions for strengthening systems to support prevention and promotion;
- economic and social benefits of investments in prevention and promotion;
- existing monitoring indicators to assess the quality of mental healthcare;
- future plans for prevention and promotion in Member States and other countries;
- discussion and policy recommendations for Member States and the European Commission.
‘Data were collected on the types of prevention of mental illness and mental health promotion activities in each participating country and focused on three settings: schools, the workplace and long-term residential facilities for older people.’
Status of mental health in the European Union
‘Recent estimates of the prevalence of mental illness show that this remains high. Mental illness accounts for 26.6% of total ill-health and is associated with a three-fold increase in the number of work days lost compared to not having a mental illness over the past 12 months.’
Organisation of mental health care in the EU
‘The literature documents the shift from institutional-based (or long-stay) mental healthcare to community-based services. The evidence suggests that community mental healthcare is a more effective form of care.’
Conclusions
‘Our findings show the variety of activity in mental health across Europe over the past decade. The implementation of prevention of mental illness and promotion of mental health initiatives has progressed since the EU and WHO policy initiatives launched in 2005. Investment in prevention and promotion activities is essential, together with improvements in the access and quality of mental healthcare for the people who need it.’
Read the European Union report here