Effective Treatment Interventions for Global Mental Health: An Analysis of Biomedical and Psychosocial Approaches in Use Today

Abstract

We are in an important moment for mental health treatment around the world, as many Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) – representing an increasing majority of the world’s population – are currently developing and scaling up services for the first time. Yet, research on Global Mental Health (GMH) best practices remains scattered and difficult to synthesize. This review aims to simplify existing GMH research on effective biomedical and psychosocial treatment approaches from both high-income countries and LMICs to enable a more comprehensive understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of existing interventions, based on the highest quality, up-to-date research. By understanding which treatments are most effective and why, we can begin to not only implement more effective practices, but guide the future of GMH research in the right directions. The purpose of this review is therefore to understand mental illness, what it is, how it was treated in the past, how it manifests differently around the globe, and how to best treat it. Ultimately, while psychosocial approaches are advised for patients with more mild to moderate disorders, medications and other biomedical approaches are recommended increasingly only for more severe cases. While significant evidence exists to justify the use of psychotropic medications for mental illness, their adverse effects indicate that psychosocial approaches should be prioritized as first line treatments, particularly for mild to moderate disorders. As one of the first to analyze this research, this review is useful not only for GMH scholars, but for practitioners and public health workers globally, as well.

Exploring the Impact of Crisis and Trauma on the Mental Health and Psychological Well-Being of University Students in Northern Haiti

“…While this study did not categorize psychological symptoms with corresponding criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), there is significant overlap with many symptoms described and disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress [52]. Additionally, the experience of traumatic events, chronic stress, fear, and anxiety are known to result in more serious mental disorders in many individuals [53].…”

Adverse childhood experiences, traumatic events, and mental health among adults at two outpatient psychiatric facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa: a cross-sectional analysis

“…Additionally, trauma in childhood and adulthood is highly prevalent and poses significant consequences to the mental health of individuals, households, and communities [ 12 , 23 ]. Many patients who experience mental illness due to ACEs, trauma, or other adverse life events often benefit significantly from evidence-based trauma informed psychosocial support in the form of psychotherapy or counseling [ 24 , 25 ]. However, few public psychiatric facilities in South Africa currently provide significant psychosocial treatment options, instead relying on brief visits with psychiatrists who prescribe medication.…”