WHO Unveils Updated Mental Health Guidelines: What You Need To Know

The World Health Organization (WHO) has just released critical updates to its Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) guidelines, focusing on mental, neurological, and substance use disorders. Anxiety disorders, affecting 301 million globally in 2019, take centre stage in the new recommendations. Notably, only one in four affected individuals receive treatment, highlighting a significant treatment gap making the organisation take up this step.

Key recommendations for anxiety disorders include:

1. Psychological Interventions

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is recommended for adults with generalised anxiety and/or panic disorders, with flexible delivery options including online, in-person, groups, or self-guided services.

2. Stress Management Techniques

Adults with generalised anxiety and/or panic disorders are advised to explore stress management techniques.

3. Medications

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), a form of antidepressant medication, are suggested for adults with generalised anxiety and/or panic disorders.

The mhGAP also introduces new psychosocial intervention recommendations for carers of individuals with psychosis or bipolar disorder, along with guidance on alcohol dependence, substance use, psychosis, dementia, and neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents.

Also Read: Are You Offering the Right Support? 7 Things to Avoid When Helping Someone with Anxiety

1. Digital Interventions

The guidelines endorse the use of digital interventions for various conditions, including alcohol use disorder, anxiety, stress, drug use disorders, and self-harm/suicide.

2. Concerns over Valproic Acid

The guidelines caution against the use of valproic acid (sodium valproate) in certain circumstances, especially for individuals attempting pregnancy, due to an elevated risk of birth defects.

3. Dementia Interventions

Non-pharmacological approaches for dementia patients are emphasised, including increased physical exercise and engagement with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), cognitive stimulation therapy, and cognitive training.

These comprehensive updates, accumulated over 15 years of research, aim to bridge the treatment gap for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders worldwide. The hope is that these guidelines will pave the way for improved mental health care and outcomes globally.