The improvement of mental health in the Greek population. The completion of the Psychiatric Reform

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: The CORE global mental health indicators provide significant insights into how national healthcare systems address mental illnesses, provided that countries supply the corresponding data. In Greece, as far as the available data allow, the indicators do not appear alarming, while recent legislation adopts community psychiatry.

Objective: This article presents the mental health indicators of the Greek population in comparison to European countries, focusing on the prevalence of depression and suicides. Additionally, it examines the recent Law 5129/2024.

Materials and Methods: A review of Greek and international literature was conducted using scientific databases. Furthermore, statistical data was retrieved from Eurostat, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Results: In Greece, the prevalence of depression was lower than the European Union average before the pandemic but has increased during the COVID-19 crisis. Suicide rates remain lower than in other European countries. The new Law 5129/2024: (a) supports the guidelines of community psychiatry and aims to eliminate stigma, (b) establishes a National Network of mental health services for the prevention of addiction, as well as comprehensive deinstitutionalization, and (c) initial reactions indicate concerns about funding, integration, and organizational coherence.

Conclusion: The challenges of mental health in Greece are complex and interlinked, making a holistic approach essential for effective management despite historically lower rates of depression and suicides compared to other European nations. The enactment of Law 5129/2024 aims to reform the mental health system by reducing stigma, strengthening preventive services, and creating an integrated mental health network, although adequate funding and organizational coherence is imperative for its success. As Greece navigates this critical period, improving access to mental health services and promoting collaboration between public services, local communities, and social stakeholders will be crucial in developing a resilient support system that meets the population's needs.