scholarly journals Mental health policy issues and development in Lithuania

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
I R Rubikas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Suicide Rates ◽  
Mental Health Policies ◽  
The Eu

Abstract Background Lithuanian has experienced rapid and relatively successful transition to capitalism and transatlantic-Western values and practices in recent decades. Suicide and legal alcohol consumption rates remain the highest in the EU and OECD, and Lithuania's Positive emotions index score has been consistently amongst the 10 lowest in the world in recent years. Emigration rate is the highest in the EU and OECD, social inequality is amongst the highest in the same groups. Despite a relatively strong economy these changes are not automatically transferred to better social and emotional well-being. Methods This unconventional situation calls for strong and unconventional policy responses in the area of mental health, amongst others. Health impact assessment using theory-based approach and desk research. Results Recent attempts include strategic reorientation towards social and emotional well-being, stronger focus on prevention and promotion and primary care, intensifying efforts to reduce suicide rates, and implementation of strong regulatory measures to reduce alcohol use. Suicide rates have been declining since 2013 but remain high. Effort is made to implement best practices in media reporting, recognition and providing appropriate help for those in suicide crisis, expanding prevention efforts. Conclusions Finally, WHOs “best buys” in alcohol control were implemented since 2017, including steep increases in excise taxes, ban on alcohol advertisement, increase of allowed age, reducing alcohol trading hours and others. This resulted in the steepest decline of legal alcohol consumption in decades. The chosen policy route may be called iterative policy-making, whereby improvements are made along the way, which allows for quicker policy decisions and results. Key messages Mental health policies need to be based on the socio-political context of the specific country. Smaller countries such as Lithuania might benefit form flexible approaches to mental health policies.

scholarly journals 18.L. Workshop: Public mental health policies - experiences and challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
National Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Policies

Abstract The workshop has the aim to help developing and strengthening policies for Public Mental Health and support experience sharing platform for Public Mental Health policy development. Mental health policy defines the vision for the future mental health of the national population and internationally. The WHOs developed three recommendations for the development of mental health policy, strategic plans and for organizing services which are to deinstitutionalise mental health care; to integrate mental health into general health care; and to develop community mental health services. For each this aim a situational analysis and needs assessment is recommended as first step. Therefore, this workshop consists of four talks in the development of mental health policies at the regional and national level. First, the process of population consultations and participatory research is described (Felix Sisenop). Participatory research enables exchanging experiences, results and key challenges in Public Mental Health. Participatory research can contribute greatly in empowering people to discuss and deal with mental health issues and therefore is a step towards a more involved and active general public. Second, a policy development at the regional level is described (Elvira Mauz). On behalf of the federal ministry of health the Robert Koch Institute as the German public health institute is currently developing a concept for a national Mental Health Surveillance (MHS). In the talk objectives, framework model and work processes are presented. The MHS should systematically gather, process and analyze primary and secondary data, thus an integrating and monitoring system is working. Third, the Public Mental Health policy in Malta will be described (John Cachia) Over the last 7 years CMH Malta developed a strategic framework for the mental health with the input of patients, families, service providers, NGOs and civil society. The Maltese National Mental Health Strategy 2020-2030 was published in July 2019. This strategy will be described in the Talk. Fourth presenter (Ignas Rubikas) will introduce the national perspective on development of Lithuanian mental health policy addressing major public mental health challenges of suicide prevention, alcohol control policies and mental health promotion in a broader context of national mental health care. Key messages Participatory research in Public Mental Health is an approach to involve the population in policy development. Development of mental health policies can benefit from sharing experiences and lessons learned on a national and regional levels.

Representing the citizenship of mental health users in French mental health policy: A critical analysis of the official French texts on mental health policies since 2005

2020 ◽  
pp. 026101831989737
Author(s):  
Dimitrios Lampropoulos ◽  
Thémis Apostolidis
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Neoliberal Governmentality ◽  
Mental Health Policies ◽  
French Texts

Research has shown that mental healthcare policies aimed at achieving autonomy and integration for people with mental disorders have been developing all over the world. Critics working from a governmentality perspective have argued that these changes are associated with broader neoliberal strategies and aims. In France however, there is no systematic work on this development. In this study, we have applied Bacchi’s ‘What’s the Problem Represented to Be’ approach to the main texts published by the French Ministry of Health since 2005, in order to study how the citizenship of mental health users is problematized. According to our analysis, the objectives of the autonomization, responsibilization and self-management of users have become increasingly central, following the recognition of users’ rights, social inclusion and the fight against the stigma of mental disorders. These developments have many points of contact with neoliberal governmentality. We conclude with recommendations for empirical research on discourses and practices in the field, where mental health policies are translated into mental health projects and practice.

scholarly journals Using Fraser’s model of ‘progressive neoliberalism’ to analyse deinstitutionalisation and community care

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-93
Author(s):  
Ian Cummins
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Community Care ◽  
Free Market ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Health Service Provision ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Mental Health Service Provision ◽  
Mental Health Policies

This article will argue that Nancy Fraser’s (2017, 2019) notion of ‘progressive neoliberalism’ provides a conceptual lens that can be effective in the development of a critical analysis of mental health policy in England and Wales during the period of deinstitutionalisation and community care. Mental health policies that came steeped in an originally progressive discourse of choice, empowerment and wider service user rights were introduced by governments largely committed to the free market. In the UK and US, this produced a contradictory position where moves towards a community-oriented vision of mental health service provision were overseen by administrations that were committed to a small state and fiscal conservatism. There were similar developments in other areas. Fraser (2017, 2019) terms this mixture of socially progressive rhetoric and market economics ‘progressive neoliberalism’. Fraser’s model of progressive neoliberalism argues that neoliberalism has colonised progressive discourses. The article outlines this theoretical model and then applies it to the development of community care. It argues that policy responses to the perceived failings of community care focused on increased powers of surveillance, including the introduction of legislation that allows for compulsory treatment in the community. This focus on legislation was at the expense of social investment. The article concludes that the introduction of austerity in the UK has strengthened these trends. For example, The Coalition government (2010‐15) introduced new mental health policies such as ‘No decision about me without me’, which emphasised inclusive approaches to service organisation and delivery. At the same time, it followed social and economic policies that increased inequality, reduced welfare payments and entitlements, and cut services. These are all factors that contribute to higher levels of mental distress across society.

scholarly journals Mental health policy: Options for South Africa

Curationis ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. G. Pillay
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
National Health ◽  
Free Market ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
National Health Insurance System ◽  
System A ◽  
Mental Health Policies

This paper emphasizes the need for mental health professionals to become involved in developing mental health policies in South Africa. In particular, it examines three options that are currently the focus of attention with respect to national health options, i.e. a free market system, a national health service (NHS) and a national health insurance system (NHIS). While the paper does not provide support for any one of these options it does attempt to investigate some of the implications of each option for the funding and delivery of mental health care.

scholarly journals Mental health policy and system preparedness to respond to COVID-19 and other health emergencies: a case study of four African countries

2021 ◽  
pp. 008124632110121
Author(s):  
Tholene Sodi ◽  
Mahlatse Modipane ◽  
Kwaku Oppong Asante ◽  
Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie ◽  
Stephen Asatsa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Psychosocial Problems ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Colonial History ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Mental Health Policies

As a result of a long colonial history and subsequent developmental and economic challenges, many African countries have struggled to put in place adequate policies, systems, and associated infrastructures to address the health and social needs of their citizens. With the COVID-19 pandemic threatening human lives and livelihoods, concerns are raised about the preparedness and readiness of health policies and systems in African countries to deal with these kinds of health calamities. More particularly, questions can be asked about the preparedness or even existence of mental health policies and associated systems to help individuals and communities in Africa to deal with the consequences of COVID-19 and other health emergencies. In this article, we analyse the existing mental health policies of four African countries paying attention to the capacity of these legislative provisions to enable psychology professionals to deal with psychosocial problems brought about by COVID-19. We use Walt and Gilson’s Policy Triangle Framework to frame our analysis of the existing mental health policies. In line with this conceptual framework, we review the role played by the different factors in shaping and influencing these mental health policies. We further explore the challenges and opportunities associated with existing legislation and mental health policies. We also reflect on the reports obtained from each of the four countries about the role that psychologists are playing to deal with the associated psychosocial problems. Based on our policy analysis and country reports, we highlight strengths and gaps in these policies and give recommendations on how mental health policies in these countries can be strengthened to respond to COVID-19 and future health emergencies.

scholarly journals Challenges in implementing evidence-based practice into mental health services

2006 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank P Deane ◽  
Trevor P Crowe ◽  
Robert King ◽  
David J Kavanagh ◽  
Lindsay G Oades
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Adoption Of Innovations ◽  
Support Tools ◽  
Training And Support ◽  
Mental Health Policies

This paper highlights challenges in implementing mental health policy at a service delivery level. It describes an attempt to foster greater application of recovery-orientated principles and practices within mental health services. Notwithstanding a highly supportive policy environment, strong support from service administrators, and an enthusiastic staff response to training, application of the training and support tools was weaker than anticipated. This paper evaluates the dissemination trial against key elements to promote sustained adoption of innovations. Organisational and procedural changes are required before mental health policies are systematically implemented in practice.

scholarly journals Mental health law in Nepal

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Rakesh Singh ◽  
Seema Khadka
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Strategic Action ◽  
Effective Implementation ◽  
The Past ◽  
National Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Policies

During the past three decades Nepal has gone through series of reforms to address the mental health needs of the Nepalese population by promulgation of an exclusive National Mental Health Policy and related Strategic Action Plan. Small but significant improvements have been achieved in Nepal with regard to mental health policies and plans. This article discusses the evolution of mental health policies in Nepal and analyses the challenges to be overcome for their effective implementation.

The history of mental health policy in Turkey: tradition, transition and transformation

2020 ◽  
pp. 0957154X2096617
Author(s):  
Merve Kardelen Bilir ◽  
Fatih Artvinli
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Community Based ◽  
History Of ◽  
Mental Health Policies

This article offers a brief history and the evolution of mental health policy in Turkey. It aims to analyse how mental health policies were transformed and why certain policies were introduced at specific times. The modern history of mental health policy is divided into three periods: the institutionalization of psychiatry and hospital-based mental health services; the introduction of community-based mental healthcare services; and lastly, the policy of deinstitutionalization after the 1980s. These periods have been categorized in a way that basically coincides with Turkey’s modern political history.

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