A new research of World Health Organization shows her seriousness mental health and its impact on children and adolescents in Europe, from which at least 1/7 lives with some kind of mental illness.
The new report entitled “Child and Youth Mental Health in the WHO European Region: Status and actions to strengthen quality of care” (Child and Youth Mental Health in the WHO European Region: Status and actions to strengthen quality of care), was presented by the Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Europe, through its Office for Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Athens and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Group (MHW).
The report brings together, for the first time, detailed data and evidence on the state of mental health of children and young people across the Region, highlighting the significant and growing needs, but also the critical gaps in the quality and accessibility of mental health services.
Mental health challenges are increasing
According to the report, one in seven children and adolescents in the WHO European Region lives with a mental disorder. Girls are disproportionately affected, with one in four teenage girls aged 15-19 experiencing a mental disorder. Suicide remains the leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29.
The occurrence of mental disorders has increased by a third in the last 15 years, while the services provided are not keeping pace with the growing needs.
In the WHO European Region:
- 1 in 4 countries have no community mental health services for children, adolescents and young people.
- 1 in 5 countries do not have a specially formulated policy for the mental health of these groups.
- The quality of care varies widely in the Region.
- In the countries of the Region there is one psychiatrist per 76,000 children and adolescents.
A call to action and to improve the quality of care
The report calls for immediate and coordinated action to close existing gaps and ensure that all children and young people have access to quality, personalized mental health care.
The report sets out nine key actions to achieve progress:
- Development and coordination of national action plans, as well as legislative arrangements.
- Integrating incentives and funding for quality improvement.
- Defining quality standards, protocols and clinical guidelines.
- Adoption of a culture of continuous improvement of the quality of care in all health service delivery systems.
- Redesign service delivery models based on the needs of children, young people and carers.
- Promoting the active participation and empowerment of children, youth, families and communities.
- Investment in human resources that meets the needs of the population.
- Measuring outcomes that matter to children and their families.
- Enhancing research and sharing experiences around proven effective methods.
“This report is a resounding call to action in the WHO European Region. Every child and young person has a right to supportive mental health services and quality care. By acting now, countries can build resilient systems that will help future generations prosper,” said Dr João Breda, Head of the WHO Office for Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Athens, Special Envoy and Head of the WHO Office in Greece.
“For the first time, WHO/Europe is bringing together detailed and in-depth data on child and youth mental health in a single report. Researchers, policy makers and health professionals can use this evidence to design services, formulate policies and monitor and evaluate interventions. This report is a landmark – it draws attention to a critical priority that will define the future of our region,” underlined Dr Ledia Lazëri, Regional Adviser on Mental Health, WHO/Europe.
This report is part of the wider WHO/Europe work to reform mental health services and ensure equitable and high-quality care for all.