Tuberculosis and mental health in the Asia-Pacific

Paul H. Mason*, Annika C. Sweetland, Greg J. Fox, Shaun Halovic, Thu Anh Nguyen, Guy B. Marks

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalComment/opinion

    25 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Objective: This opinion piece encourages mental health researchers and clinicians to engage with mental health issues among tuberculosis patients in the Asia-Pacific region in a culturally appropriate and ethical manner. The diversity of cultural contexts and the high burden of tuberculosis throughout the Asia-Pacific presents significant challenges. Research into tuberculosis and mental illness in this region is an opportunity to develop more nuanced models of mental illness and treatment, while simultaneously contributing meaningfully to regional tuberculosis care and prevention.

    Conclusions: We overview key issues in tuberculosis and mental illness co-morbidity, highlight ethical concerns and advocate for a regional approach to tuberculosis and mental health that is consistent with the transnational challenges presented by this airborne infectious disease. Integrating tuberculosis and mental health services will go a long way to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and stopping the transmission of one of the world’s biggest infectious killers.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)553-555
    Number of pages3
    JournalAustralasian Psychiatry
    Volume24
    Issue number6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2016

    Keywords

    • tuberculosis
    • mental illness
    • mental health
    • depression
    • psychosis
    • Asia-Pacific
    • Psychosis
    • Tuberculosis
    • Mental health
    • Depression
    • Mental illness

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Tuberculosis and mental health in the Asia-Pacific'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this