TY - JOUR
T1 - Severe mental disorders in complex emergencies
AU - Jones, Lynne
AU - Asare, Joseph B.
AU - El Masri, Mustafa
AU - Mohanraj, Andrew
AU - Sherief, Hassen
AU - van Ommeren, Mark
PY - 2009/8/28
Y1 - 2009/8/28
N2 - People with severe mental disorders are a neglected and vulnerable group in complex emergencies. Here, we describe field experiences in establishing mental health services in five humanitarian settings. We show data to quantify the issue, and suggest reasons for this neglect. We then outline the actions needed to establish services in these settings, including the provision of practical training, medication, psychosocial supports, and, when appropriate, work with traditional healers. We have identified some persisting problems locally, nationally, and internationally, and suggest some solutions. Protection and care of people with severe mental disorders in complex emergencies is a humanitarian responsibility.
AB - People with severe mental disorders are a neglected and vulnerable group in complex emergencies. Here, we describe field experiences in establishing mental health services in five humanitarian settings. We show data to quantify the issue, and suggest reasons for this neglect. We then outline the actions needed to establish services in these settings, including the provision of practical training, medication, psychosocial supports, and, when appropriate, work with traditional healers. We have identified some persisting problems locally, nationally, and internationally, and suggest some solutions. Protection and care of people with severe mental disorders in complex emergencies is a humanitarian responsibility.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=68949191225&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61253-8
DO - 10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61253-8
M3 - Comment/debate
C2 - 19700007
AN - SCOPUS:68949191225
SN - 0140-6736
VL - 374
SP - 654
EP - 661
JO - The Lancet
JF - The Lancet
IS - 9690
ER -