Disease Control Priorities Related to Mental, Neurological, Developmental and Substance Abuse Disorders

This publication brings together five chapters from Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries 2nd edition (2006), along with an introduction and a conclusion by WHO. The chapters cover mental disorders, neurological disorders, learning and developmental disabilities, and alcohol and illicit opiate abuse. The purpose of this special package is to provide information on cost-effectiveness of interventions for these specific groups of disorders. This information should contribute to reformulation of policies and programs and reallocation of resources eventually leading to reduction of morbidity and mortality. The disorders and conditions covered in the five chapters of this volume are all characterized by low current levels of use of effective interventions. This underlines the need for substantial enhancement in resources but also presents an opportunity in that the cost-effectiveness data can be used to focus enhanced resources to those interventions that are shown to give the best value for money. As mental, neurological, developmental, and substance-use disorders move up in the public health agenda of developing countries, the evidence presented in this publication can assist in resource allocation.