Journal article

A United Nations general assembly special session for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders: The Time Has Come

JK Bass, TH Bornemann, M Burkey, S Chehil, L Chen, JRM Copeland, WW Eaton, V Ganju, E Hayward, RS Hock, R Kidwai, K Kolappa, PT Lee, H Minas, F Or, GJ Raviola, B Saraceno, V Patel

Plos Medicine | Published : 2012

Abstract

Mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorders are leading causes of the global burden of disease and profoundly impact the social and economic well-being of individuals and communities. The majority of people affected by MNS disorders globally do not have access to evidence-based interventions and many experience discrimination and abuses of their human rights. A United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) is needed to focus global attention on MNS disorders as a core development issue requiring commitments to improve access to care, promote human rights, and strengthen the evidence on effective prevention and treatment.

University of Melbourne Researchers