WHO Releases Updated mhGAP Guideline Addressing Global Mental Health Crisis

WHO recommends new updates
Spread the love

The World Health Organization (WHO) unveiled its third edition of the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) guideline on November 20, 2023.

This comprehensive guide features vital new and updated recommendations aimed at improving the treatment and care of mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorders, addressing a critical aspect of global health.

MNS disorders constitute a significant portion of global morbidity and premature mortality, affecting populations across all regions.

Shockingly, more than 75% of individuals grappling with MNS disorders lack access to essential treatment and care.

The latest mhGAP guideline seeks to empower countries to enhance their capacity in managing the escalating burden posed by these conditions.

Targeted at healthcare practitioners including doctors, nurses, and other non-specialist health workers operating in primary healthcare settings, the guideline also caters to health planners and managers.

Dévora Kestel, WHO’s Director for Mental Health and Substance Use, emphasized the pivotal role of mhGAP in the past 15 years in advancing access to evidence-based psychological interventions and medications for individuals with MNS disorders.

With mental health gaining increasing prominence, Kestel highlighted the guide’s heightened relevance in equipping primary healthcare workers to effectively treat individuals with MNS disorders.

Tackling Anxiety with New Guidelines Released by WHO

One of the notable updates in the 2023 guideline is the inclusion of a fresh module focusing on anxiety disorders, acknowledging the surging prevalence of these conditions globally. The module introduces key recommendations:

  • Psychological interventions based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are advised for adults experiencing generalized anxiety disorder and/or panic disorder, offered through various formats such as online, in-person, group settings, or self-guided sessions.
  • Stress management techniques are suggested for adults grappling with generalized anxiety and/or panic disorder.
  • Consideration of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) is recommended for treating adults facing generalized anxiety and/or panic disorder.

Emphasis on Psychological and Psychosocial Interventions

The guideline underscores the continued significance of psychological treatments across various MNS conditions.

It introduces novel recommendations concerning psychosocial interventions for caregivers of individuals with psychosis or bipolar disorder.

Additionally, it features fresh suggestions on psychosocial interventions for psychosis, alcohol dependence, substance use, dementia, and children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders including autism, ADHD, and cerebral palsy.

Critical Warning Regarding Valproic Acid Use in Pregnancy

Of immense importance is the guideline’s updated caution against the use of valproic acid (sodium valproate), prescribed for epilepsy and bipolar disorder, due to its associated risk of birth defects during pregnancy. Key recommendations encompass:

  • Restricting prescription of valproic acid to women and girls planning pregnancy or at risk of becoming pregnant due to potential birth defects and developmental issues in exposed children.
  • Advising women and girls currently using valproic acid to employ effective contraception.
  • Urging consultation with healthcare providers before discontinuing valproic acid and exploring suitable alternative treatments.
  • Stressing the need for periodic specialist reviews to ascertain the appropriateness of valproic acid as a treatment option.

This cautionary stance aligns with the WHO safety statement released in May 2023, addressing valproic acid’s use for epilepsy and bipolar disorder in women and girls of childbearing potential.

Additional Recommendations and Advancements

The updated guideline also highlights digitally-delivered psychological and psychosocial interventions across various modules, emphasizing their efficacy in addressing alcohol use disorders, anxiety, stress-related conditions, drug use disorders, and self-harm/suicide tendencies.

Further advancements include updated non-pharmacological interventions for dementia, advocating the incorporation of physical exercise, CBT, cognitive stimulation therapy, and cognitive training to enhance patient outcomes.

In terms of medication, specific antipsychotic and antiepileptic drugs have been included for the treatment of psychosis, bipolar disorder, and epilepsy.

The WHO‘s updated mhGAP guideline represents a significant leap in addressing the global mental health crisis, offering essential strategies and recommendations to enhance the accessibility and quality of care for individuals struggling with MNS disorders worldwide.



Spread the love
  • Neighborhood Connections Reduce Poor Health Outcomes In The Elderly: Study Finds

    Neighborhood Connections Reduce Poor Health Outcomes In The Elderly: Study Finds

    Research delves into the benefits of strong neighborhood cohesion.

  • Why Do More Women Get Alzheimer’s Than Men? Study Finds

    Why Do More Women Get Alzheimer’s Than Men? Study Finds

    Research explores the gendered onset of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

  • The Stress Of Moving Houses And Its Impact On Our Well-Being

    The Stress Of Moving Houses And Its Impact On Our Well-Being

    Research explores micro stress associated with moving houses.

  • Football And Mental Health Impacts Of Playing This Sport

    Football And Mental Health Impacts Of Playing This Sport

    Research delves into the negative association between football and mental…

  • How Do Memories Affect Perception Of Happiness? Study Finds

    How Do Memories Affect Perception Of Happiness? Study Finds

    Research delves into how we perceive memories of our past…

  • Do Children Learn Faster Than Adults? Study Finds

    Do Children Learn Faster Than Adults? Study Finds

    Research provides insights into learning abilities of both children and…

  • Attachment Anxiety Creates False Memories: Study Finds

    Attachment Anxiety Creates False Memories: Study Finds

    Research delves into the link between attachment anxiety and false…

  • Is Fast Fashion Harmful To Both The Environment And Our Mental Health?

    Is Fast Fashion Harmful To Both The Environment And Our Mental Health?

    Research delves into the mental health impacts of fast fashion.

  • Hormonal Birth Control Affects Brain Activity: Study Finds

    Hormonal Birth Control Affects Brain Activity: Study Finds

    Research delves into the neurological impact of hormonal birth control…

  • The Link Between Workplace Deviance And Managerial Controls

    The Link Between Workplace Deviance And Managerial Controls

    Research delves into the psychology of “workplace deviance”.

  • How Planting Trees Can Save Lives? Study Reveals

    How Planting Trees Can Save Lives? Study Reveals

    Research delves into the health benefits of planting and saving…

  • How Stephen Boss’s Suicide Highlights Mental Health Issues In Colored Communities

    How Stephen Boss’s Suicide Highlights Mental Health Issues In Colored Communities

    Following Stephen “tWitch” Boss’s suicide, experts look for ways to…

  • Social Crowding: Why Time Slows Down On A Crowded Train?

    Social Crowding: Why Time Slows Down On A Crowded Train?

    Researchers explored the social factors that influence the human perception…

  • Research Finds What Eye Movements Reveal About Us

    Research Finds What Eye Movements Reveal About Us

    Research reveals the psychology behind eye movements.

  • Alcohol Use During Pregnancy Impairs Babies’ Brains: Study Finds

    Alcohol Use During Pregnancy Impairs Babies’ Brains: Study Finds

    Research provided insights into fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

  • Plateware Color Affects Picky Eaters’ Food Habits: Study Finds

    Plateware Color Affects Picky Eaters’ Food Habits: Study Finds

    Researchers Explored The Food Psychology Of Picky Eaters.

  • Caring For Grandchildren Lowers The Risk Of Loneliness: Study

    Caring For Grandchildren Lowers The Risk Of Loneliness: Study

    Research explored the link between unpaid volunteering and reduced loneliness…

  • Hikikomori: How To Identify Severe Social Withdrawal? Researchers Find

    Hikikomori: How To Identify Severe Social Withdrawal? Researchers Find

    Research provides insights into a new Hikikomori questionnaire.

  • Does Winter Walking Benefit Our Mental Health?

    Does Winter Walking Benefit Our Mental Health?

    Research explores the benefits of winter walking.

  • What Are The Benefits of Storytelling On Mental Health?

    What Are The Benefits of Storytelling On Mental Health?

    Research delves into the mental health benefits of storytelling.

  • Online Gaming Improves Career Prospects: Study Finds

    Online Gaming Improves Career Prospects: Study Finds

    Research explored how online gaming improves career prospects.

  • The Secrets Of Waking Up Alert, New Study Reveals

    The Secrets Of Waking Up Alert, New Study Reveals

    Research explores certain tricks to avoid morning sleepiness.

  • Vicious Cycle: Physical Health Affects Mental Health And Vice Versa

    Vicious Cycle: Physical Health Affects Mental Health And Vice Versa

    Research delves into how physical and mental health influence each…

  • Lucid Dying: Patients Recall Near-Death Experiences During CPR

    Lucid Dying: Patients Recall Near-Death Experiences During CPR

    Research provides interesting insights into CPR-related “lucid dying” experiences.

  • Did You Know Breathing Shapes Our Brain And Mental Health?

    Did You Know Breathing Shapes Our Brain And Mental Health?

    Research provides insights into the benefits of respiration-brain interaction.

  • Long-Term Effects of Childhood Traumas: Study Finds

    Long-Term Effects of Childhood Traumas: Study Finds

    Research explores the long-term consequences of childhood traumas.

  • Research Shows The Power Of Thank You In A Marriage

    Research Shows The Power Of Thank You In A Marriage

    Research explored the benefits of gratitude in romantic relationships.