The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its “WHO Action Program to Bridging the Mental Health Gap (mhGAP)”, or “Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP) guideline” in English, through a new version . This guide is intended to help countries expand their support for the diagnosis and treatment of mental health-related diseases and disorders. On this occasion, new recommendations are included and certain guidelines for intervention in cases of mental, neurological and substance use disorders are updated. This is especially relevant since according to the WHO’s own data, more than 75% of people who suffer from them cannot access the treatment or care they require.
For all these reasons, the mhGAP is aimed at all related personnel, such as doctors, nurses and other health workers who carry out their activity in specialized environments and with the presence of this type of cases. The WHO announces that a total of 18 new recommendations have been included and updates have been made to another thirty with this new version.
One of the aspects that the WHO has sought to emphasize with this renewed edition of the mhGAP has to do with anxiety disorders. Mainly, due to the increasing trend in the number of people who suffer from them, as they explain, since they represent one of the most common mental disorders in the world. The advice specifies the importance of considering stress management techniques for adults who have generalized anxiety disorder or panic attacks.
One of the most important updates has to do with the provision of valproic acid or sodium valproate, which is strongly discouraged in people with the possibility of becoming pregnant. This is because there is a high risk of malformations and developmental disorders in babies who have been exposed to this component.
Likewise, the WHO advises that psychological treatments based on cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) be made available to patients in adults who present these two aforementioned disorders. They point out that they can be taught in person, either individually or in groups, or online.
This guide also adds that psychosocial interventions for caregivers with people with diagnoses such as psychosis or bipolar disorder will be positive. Just as the recommendations on treatment in cases of alcohol dependence or substance abuse are updated.
Another of the updates included has to do with non-pharmacological alternatives to improve the cases of people with dementia. Such as physical activity or cognitive stimulation.
