Mental disorders are major causes of disability worldwide and rank as number one in terms of direct and indirect health economic costs as a recent ECNP commissioned report has demonstrated (Wittchen et al 2005). Depression, for instance, produces the greatest decrement in health compared with the common chronic diseases angina pectoris, arthritis, asthma, and diabetes (Moussavi et al., 2007) followed by addictive disorders (nicotine, alcohol, drugs). Unmet needs for mental health treatment today are pervasive all over the world and especially concerning in less-developed countries. A recent large worldwide study with 84.850 adults living in 17 low- to middle-income and high-income countries points out that although up to 30% of the population is expected to have clear-cut mental illness every year, in every one country studied, at least two-thirds of people who are mentally ill receive no treatment. In Europe, 27% of the population is affected by mental illness every year, but 74% is not treated, whereas only 8% of diabetics receives no care (Wittchen & Jacobi 2005; Wang et al., 2007; Thornicroft 2007). Thus, there is a compelling need to improve the fate of people struck by mental disorders, and vigorously reinforce the value of psychiatry and related disciplines for society.
20th ECNP Congress, Vienna
This week (13-17 October 2007) over 6000 psychiatrists, neurologists, psychologists and neuroscience researchers and practitioners from all over the world will join in Vienna at the 20th ECNP Congress to present and discuss the latest breakthroughs, the progress and the future perspectives in the fields of the origin and treatment of mental disorders, disorders of the brain, neuropsychopharmacology and related fields.
This largest high scientific standard meeting in Europe will provide all participants with the latest achievements and future perspectives in neuropsychopharmacology and closely related fields of virtually all disorde
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| Contact: Sonja Mak s.mak@update.europe.at 43-140-557-3413 European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Source:Eurekalert |