Based on a fresh WHO survey, a new report indicates that 93% of nations globally have experienced interruptions or complete suspensions in vital mental health services, even as the need for psychological care grows.
WHO Survey Reveals Widespread Mental Health Service Disruptions
- Pandemic Service Disruption: Over nine in ten countries evaluated by the WHO survey halted or impaired mental health care programs, heavily impacting vulnerable demographics such as children, adolescents, and older adults.
- Telemedicine Disparities: While more than 80% of high-income countries deployed remote mental health tools, fewer than 50% of low-income countries did, exposing disparities in access.
- Economic and Clinical Return: Studies show that every US$1 invested in evidence-based care for depression and anxiety yields a return of US$5.
Global Survey Reveals 93% Disruption Rate in Mental Health Services
The World Health Organization published the findings from 130 countries across six distinct global regions, capturing how the provision of mental, neurological, and substance use services changed between June and August 2020. More than 60% of surveyed nations reported disruptions to mental health services for vulnerable populations. Specifically, 72% noted service interruptions for children and adolescents, 70% for older adults, and 61% for women requiring antenatal or postnatal clinical support.
Psychotherapy and counseling faced setbacks in 67% of reporting countries. Critical harm reduction services saw a 65% disruption rate, and opioid agonist maintenance treatments for opioid dependence were compromised in 45% of nations. More than a third of countries—35%—reported disruptions to emergency interventions. These emergency lapses included missed treatments for individuals experiencing prolonged seizures, severe substance use withdrawal syndromes, and delirium, which often signals a serious underlying medical condition.
| Mental Health Service Category | Reported Global Disruption Rate (%) | Primary Patient Impact |
|---|---|---|
| School and Workplace Mental Health | 78% / 75% | At least partial disruptions to school and workplace mental health services |
| Critical Harm Reduction Services | 65% | Disruptions to critical harm reduction services |
| Emergency Interventions | 35% | Prolonged seizures, severe substance use withdrawal syndromes, and delirium |
Stressors and Complications Drive Rising Mental Health Demands
The concurrent rise in demand stems from multiple biological and environmental stressors. Bereavement, isolation, loss of income, and fear trigger mental health conditions or exacerbate existing ones. Many people may be facing increased levels of alcohol and drug use, insomnia, and anxiety. Meanwhile, COVID-19 itself can lead to neurological and mental complications, such as delirium, agitation, and stroke. Individuals who already suffer from neurological, mental, or substance use conditions face an elevated susceptibility to contracting SARS-CoV-2, potentially encountering greater odds of severe medical complications and mortality.
This surge arrives on top of chronic underfunding. Prior to the pandemic, countries were spending less than 2% of their national health budgets on mental health. The WHO survey reveals that although 89% of countries incorporated mental health and psychosocial support into their national COVID-19 response plans, only 17% have full additional funding for covering these activities. Internationally, mental health still receives less than 1% of international aid earmarked for health.
Telemedicine Disparities and the Path to Recovery
To overcome disruptions to in-person services, 70% of nations adopted telemedicine and teletherapy modalities. However, geographical disparities remain stark. More than 80% of high-income countries reported deploying telemedicine and teletherapy, compared with less than 50% of low-income countries.
Good mental health is absolutely fundamental to overall health and well-being,
stated Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. COVID-19 has interrupted essential mental health services around the world just when they’re needed most. World leaders must move fast and decisively to invest more in life-saving mental health programmes — during the pandemic and beyond.
Data gathered prior to the pandemic indicates that anxiety and depression alone account for an annual depletion of roughly US$1 trillion in global economic output. To combat these losses, the organization has issued guidance urging countries to maintain essential services—including mental health services—during COVID-19, allocate resources to mental health as an integral component of response and recovery plans, and monitor changes and disruptions in services.
