Why is this needed?

Mental disorders are noncommunicable diseases that are a major health challenge in Europe in the 21st century. It is estimated that 38% of the EU population, which is 165 million people – suffer from a mental disorder, and this rate is expected to increase over time.

The majority of individuals with mental disorders experience onset early in their lives. In moderate or severe cases, remission is rarely spontaneous, treatment is effective in about only one third of patients and there is an increased risk for concomitant diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. As a result, life expectancy is reduced up to 20 years.