Neglected Tropical Diseases and Mental Health: Progress, Partnerships, and Integration. Issue 1 (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bailey, Freddie; Eaton, Julian; Jidda, Muhammad; van Brakel, Wim H.; Addiss, David G.; Molyneux, David H.
• Is Part Of: Trends in parasitology. Volume 35:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 31
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: neglected tropical diseases -- mental health -- major depressive disorder -- stigma -- disability -- Global Burden of Disease Study -- quality of life -- depression -- chronic diseases -- global mental health -- InfoNTD -- Mental Health Innovation Network (MHIN) -- NTD NGO Network (NNN); Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Parasitology; Biology; Parasitologie -- Périodiques; Online resources; 571.999
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.11.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-4922

Abstract

Abstract : Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are increasingly recognised as major drivers of psychosocial morbidity in affected individuals and their caregivers. Nevertheless, there has remained a lack of prioritisation at the policy level of some of the most stigmatising and chronic NTDs, with subsequent under-representation within NTD programmes. In response, the Neglected Tropical Disease/Non-Governmental Organization/Network (NNN) has established a Mental Wellbeing and Stigma Task Group (MWS) to address these issues through a comprehensive research agenda. In our article, we highlight the progress in understanding the scope of the mental health impact of NTDs and the innovative practice emerging in this area. Finally, we examine opportunities for integration of mental and physical health for individuals with NTDs. Highlights: The past 6 years has seen mental health emerge as a key cross-cutting area of NTDs research. In this time, there has been a large increase in the number of holistic and psychological studies in NTD populations, adding to the evidence base of well-studied as well as lesser-studied NTDs. In particular, chronic NTDs have emerged as an important risk factor for common mental health conditions, with prevalence rates of depression higher than those found in other common chronic diseases. Nevertheless, there remains a significant lack of psychological intervention studies as well as large opportunities to translate this knowledge into integrated mental and physical care for affected individuals. Partners in the Mental Wellbeing and Stigma (MWS) task group of the NTD/NGO/Network (NNN) are working to address many of these areas through a comprehensive research agenda in collaboration with the World Health Organization and other key partners.