Mental health, neurological and substance use disorders make a substantial contribution to the global burden of disease. Globally, almost one million people die due to suicide every year making it the third leading cause of death among young people. The most important causes of disability due to health-related conditions worldwide include unipolar depression, alcoholism, schizophrenia, bipolar depression and dementia in low- and middle-income countries.

Global Mental Health will examine contemporary and emerging issues and advances in international practices in mental health. The course considers how to best improve mental health and achieve equity in mental health outcomes for all, whilst acknowledging the role of local context. The epidemiology of mental disorders in selected countries, treatment options, mental health education, political and financial aspects, the structure of mental health care systems, human resources in mental health and human rights issues are all addressed.