Mental health economic studies from developing countries reviewed in the context of those from developed countries.
OBJECTIVE
Mental health economic studies from developing countries were reviewed in the context of such studies from developed countries.


METHODS
Mental health economic studies were ascertained through a systematic Medline search, chasing references at the end of papers acquired from the initial medline search and details of studies furnished by members of the WHO collaborating centre.


RESULTS
Only a small number of mental health economic studies from developing countries were identified. They were mainly cost-of-illness and cost-effectiveness studies.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychiatric disorders impose a significant burden in developing countries. It is not always possible to extrapolate findings from developed countries to developing countries. Potential avenues for future research and development are discussed.
Shah
A
A
Department of Psychiatry, Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK.
Jenkins
R
R
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D019049:Developed Countries; D003906:Developing Countries; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000191:economics*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000191:economics*