Launched on World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2008 - a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) which maps out huge differences in mental health services and practice.

The report by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, co-funded by the European Commission and launched today at a meeting hosted by the Department of Health in London, provides data not hitherto available on mental health policy and practice across the WHO European Region. It also highlights important information gaps.

Policies and practices for mental health in Europe allows for country-to-country comparisons on indicators such as numbers of psychiatrists, financing, community services, training of workforce, prescription of antidepressants, and representation of users and carers. The data were obtained from ministries of health.

Download the full report (212 pages)

Download the briefing (summary of the main findings of the report) (2 pages)

Link to WHO website for reports, factsheet, key points, Powerpoint presentation and press release

Link to Department of Health for response from Health Secretary Alan Johnson