9th World Congress on
Mental Health

Psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery are vital aspects of mental health care, aiming to enhance the lives of individuals with mental illness. This approach focuses on assisting individuals in reaching their highest level of functioning. Research indicates that approximately 67% of individuals with a history of mental illness achieve symptomatic recovery, indicating a significant reduction in diagnostic criteria for their specific condition.

Clinical research plays a crucial role in comprehending and addressing mental illnesses. It explores novel medications and alternative treatments such as psychotherapy, medication, hospitalization, support groups, self-help plans, and peer support for a range of disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety. These approaches have shown significant effectiveness in managing and treating these conditions.

Mental health stigma remains prevalent worldwide, with a history of societal stigmatization. Unfortunately, psychiatric illnesses are often met with more negative attitudes compared to physical conditions. Overcoming stigma is challenging, but with support and care, both social and self-perceived stigma can be reduced. In a 2022 study, it was found that over 30% of respondents held stigmatizing beliefs, associating depression with a weak personality.

The global COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread anxiety, stress, and worry among people of all ages. It led to a significant increase in psychological distress and even suicidal thoughts. The pandemic also resulted in acute panic, anxiety, obsessive behaviors, paranoia, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to disruptions in treatment plans during lockdowns. Particularly, young adults (ages 18 to 24) reported higher rates of anxiety and depression symptoms during the epidemic (56%).

Each individual has their own unique sexual orientation and identity, and it takes immense courage to assert and embrace that identity. LGBTQ individuals often face lifelong struggles and the ongoing battle to thrive amidst social stigma can be exhausting and overwhelming, placing them under tremendous pressure. As a result, they may experience mental health crises, including substance use disorders, affective disorders, and thoughts of suicide.

Mindfulness is a technique where one can learn to enhance their psychological wellbeing, to be aware of their surroundings and manage thoughts. It can help manage depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, chronic pain, addiction recovery and prevention. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce anxiety by 58%, depression by 57%, and stress by 40%. Mindfulness brings insight and wisdom and the best way to improve mindfulness is through meditation and yoga.

Mental health is an integral part of our well-being, encompassing our emotions, psychology, and social interactions. It influences our ability to cope with stress, form relationships, and make positive decisions throughout our lives. Just like physical health, mental health is subject to fluctuations influenced by various factors. Recognizing the significance of both mental and physical well-being, the mental health market is projected to witness substantial growth, with an estimated increase of USD 201.41 billion from 2021 to 2026.

Optimal mental health plays a vital role in overall well-being for many individuals. Depression stands out as a common mental health concern among older people, potentially leading to chronic medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or lung disease. Accessing primary health care services is crucial to prevent the perception of poor health in adults and mitigate further complications. Building social support, fostering meaningful connections with loved ones, and staying connected are key factors in maintaining mental well-being. In 2023, approximately 21% of adults (equivalent to 52.9 million people) experienced mental illness, while 5.6% experienced serious mental illness.

The adolescent stage brings forth various challenges, such as physical, emotional, and social changes, as well as exposure to poverty, abuse, or violence, which can contribute to mental health problems. Poor mental health during this stage can cast a shadow over many aspects of a teenager's life. Creating a nurturing environment that prioritizes the mental well-being of children and adolescents is essential for shaping their future overall health. It is worth noting that in any given year, approximately 20% of adolescents may grapple with mental health issues. Furthermore, 50% of mental health issues begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24, underscoring the importance of early intervention and support.

Psychology delves into the intricate workings of the mind, exploring mental processes and behavior to shape our personality, cognition, and learning. It provides valuable insights into research findings on human behavior and its impact on the world around us. From understanding cultural influences to exploring the depths of our own personalities, psychology sheds light on the complexities of daily actions. Looking ahead, the psychology market is projected to reach impressive sales of USD 671.30 billion by 2025, with a promising compound annual growth rate of 7.5% from 2019 to 2025.

Positive psychology is a scientific field dedicated to understanding and promoting human flourishing. It explores the behaviors and experiences that contribute to people thriving in life. Fundamentally, it emphasizes positive emotions such as happiness, joy, gratitude, resilience, and compassion. By cultivating skills like savoring and mindfulness, individuals can enhance their positive emotions, leading to a more fulfilling and optimistic outlook on life. Ultimately, positive psychology offers valuable insights and strategies to improve the overall quality of life.

Addiction is a neuropsychological disorder marked by an irresistible urge and excessive involvement in certain behaviors or substance use, even in the face of negative consequences. It alters the brain's reward system, distorting pleasure sensations and impacting other important functions like learning and motivation. Mental health and substance use disorders collectively impact around 13% of the global population.

Psychosis encompasses a range of psychological symptoms that disrupt an individual's connection with reality, leading to impaired thoughts and perceptions. Hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking are common features of major psychotic disorders. These conditions can affect people from diverse backgrounds, causing difficulties in thinking and impacting overall quality of life.

Mental illness, or mental health disorder, can have varying degrees of impact on a person's ability to function, affecting their social interactions, work performance, and family life. Although mental illness can emerge at any stage of life, a significant majority (75%) of cases start before the age of 24. Depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are among the prevalent mental illnesses that individuals may experience.

Mental illness, or mental health disorder, can have varying degrees of impact on a person's ability to function, affecting their social interactions, work performance, and family life. Although mental illness can emerge at any stage of life, a significant majority (75%) of cases start before the age of 24. Depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are among the prevalent mental illnesses that individuals may experience.

Impulse control disorders involve difficulties in resisting urges or impulses that lead to excessive and harmful behaviors, resulting in significant impairments in social and occupational functioning. These disorders manifest as a failure to resist temptations, often causing detrimental effects on oneself and others.

Neurodevelopmental disorders encompass a range of complex conditions that impact the development of the nervous system, leading to abnormal brain function and affecting social, cognitive, and emotional functioning. Common examples of neurodevelopmental disorders include autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

It is common for individuals to experience occasional feelings of sadness or anxiety, especially when faced with stress. However, in certain cases, anxiety and depression can co-occur, such as in panic disorder or separation anxiety disorder. Persistent and intense feelings of depression may indicate an underlying mental health condition. The global market for treating anxiety disorders and depression is expected to reach $19.3 billion in 2029, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.9%.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition that arises after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It manifests as ongoing mental and emotional distress, often accompanied by sleep disturbances and recurring vivid memories of the traumatic experience. It is estimated that around 6% of the population, or 6 out of 100 individuals, will experience PTSD at some stage in their lives.

Bipolar disorder is a persistent mental illness characterized by intense mood fluctuations, ranging from episodes of hypomania (elevated mood) to periods of major depression. These mood swings significantly impact an individual's energy levels and ability to function effectively. The disorder stems from abnormal brain circuitry that regulates mood, thinking, and behavior, often beyond one's voluntary control. The World Health Organization ranks bipolar disorder as the sixth most prevalent disability worldwide.

Dementia is a condition characterized by the progressive decline of cognitive abilities, resulting in the loss of memory, language skills, reasoning, personality traits, and problem-solving capabilities. Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, predominantly affects older adults and should not be considered a normal part of the aging process. Globally, approximately 55 million individuals are living with dementia, with more than 60% residing in low- and middle-income countries.

Personality disorders are mental health conditions characterized by rigid, inflexible, and unhealthy patterns of thinking, perceiving, and relating to situations and people. Individuals with personality disorders often struggle with maintaining healthy relationships and adapting to various life circumstances. Among the different types of personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is one of the most prevalent.

Schizophrenia encompasses a range of disorders characterized by the disruption of reality, leading to a combination of hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking that significantly impacts daily functioning. While the course of schizophrenia can vary, it tends to be persistent and can have a severe and disabling impact on individuals. Globally, approximately 24 million people, or about 0.32% of the population, are affected by schizophrenia. Among adults, the prevalence rate is around 0.45%, equivalent to 1 in 222 individuals.

Schizoaffective disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by abnormal thought processes and unstable mood. It is considered to be more severe than schizophrenia, as it involves both psychotic symptoms and significant mood disturbances. Individuals with schizoaffective disorder may experience a detachment from reality, along with fluctuations in their mood. The prevalence of schizoaffective disorder is estimated to be around 0.3%, affecting approximately 1 in 300 people at some point in their lives.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness characterized by uncontrollable and recurring thoughts, as well as obsessions that are accompanied by increased fears and worries. The development of OCD is influenced by factors such as genetics, brain abnormalities, and the environment, and it typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Statistics indicate that OCD affects approximately 1.1% to 1.8% of the global population, highlighting the significant number of individuals struggling with this disorder.

A phobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an individual experiencing an intense and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, place, or creature, despite the minimal or nonexistent threat it poses. These phobias can lead to significant levels of anxiety and even depression in some cases. People with specific phobias often go to great lengths to avoid encountering the object or situation that triggers their fear.

Dissociative disorder, previously referred to as multiple personality disorder, is a condition characterized by disruptions and lack of coherence in thoughts, actions, memories, surroundings, and identities. This disorder can significantly impair daily functioning. Individuals with dissociative disorder may also experience out-of-body sensations and significant memory gaps for certain periods, individuals, or events.

Suicidology is a field dedicated to understanding and addressing the assessment and treatment of suicidal risk in individuals. Suicide is often associated with severe mental disorders, such as depression and alcohol use disorders. Suicidology encompasses the study of completed suicides, suicide attempts, self-destructive behaviors, suicidal thoughts, and attitudes towards suicide. It is important to note that suicide ranks as the fourth leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29 years.

Psychological testing and assessment form a fundamental component of mental health treatment. These processes involve the evaluation of an individual's behavior, personality, cognition, and various other characteristics to identify and diagnose the underlying causes of mental health symptoms and disorders. Through psychological testing and assessment, healthcare professionals gain valuable insights that help inform treatment planning and interventions, ultimately leading to improved mental well-being for individuals.

Psychotherapy, also known as psychoanalysis or psychodynamic therapy, aims to facilitate change in individuals by addressing problematic behaviors, thoughts, and emotions through exploring their consciousness. Among various psychotherapeutic approaches, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy is extensively studied, widely understood, and commonly practiced. Approximately 12% of adults receive mental health care, with 10.4% using medication and 3% attending counseling or therapy. It's important to note that some individuals (1.3%) receive both medication and psychological therapy, leading to overlapping numbers.