Integrating the response to mental health disorders and other chronic diseases in health care systems

Overview

Strong links between mental disorders and other chronic diseases exist, not only with respect to how to effectively manage them, but also in terms of their causes and consequences. However, health systems are not well prepared to deal with chronic disease, whether depression, diabetes, or HIV/AIDS. The redesign of health systems and services towards integrated chronic care poses several challenges to existing infrastructures, budgets, and health workers, but effective chronic disease management is also sensible, humane, and prudent. Providing seamless, holistic care that caters to the overall health needs of the person is a feasible and efficient way of preventing and managing mental disorders and other chronic diseases.