Psychedelic therapies: The case for a new focus in the EU’s mental health care approach
Open Access Government July 10, 2023 DOI: 10.56367/oag-039-110-edit (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Key points | Argues that psychedelic therapies are an underserved area that the EU's mental health care approach should newly prioritize. Cites the OECD's estimate that mental illness affects one in two people during their lifetime, the World Economic Forum's 2023 finding that mental health deterioration is a severe risk to economies and societies, and a WHO 2022 report showing governments allocate on average only 2% of health budgets to mental health, while philanthropic donations are 30% of mental health sector funding but just 0.5% of all health contributions. |
Abstract
Tadeusz Hawrot, Founder and Executive Director of PAREA, states the case for a new focus in the EU’s mental health care approach, that is the underserved area of psychedelic therapies. As we navigate deeper into the 21st century, the importance of mental health care is gaining increasing recognition. But we still have a long way to go. The OECD estimates that mental illness affects one in two individuals during their lifetime, making it an ever-present yet often overlooked aspect of overall well-being. (1) The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2023 identifies mental health deterioration as a severe risk to economies and societies. (2) Yet, a startling reality is revealed in the WHO’s 2022 report: governments allocate, on average, only 2% of their health budgets to mental health. Furthermore, though making up 30% of total mental health sector funding, philanthropic donations represent a mere 0.5% of all health contributions. (3)