ABSTRACT
In today’s global world, economic issues are of the utmost importance—even more so than previously. There is a pervasive scarcity of resources worldwide. Mental health has often lost out in battles to access those scarce resources, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This chapter will focus on four specific aspects. It will discuss the relationship between mental health issues and economic performance, with effects such as unemployment, work absenteeism, education disruption (consequently affecting human capital) and economic growth. The ways in which economic considerations can affect mental health and wellbeing will be explored, including the effect of poverty, unemployment and unsecured debt on common mental disorders. Given that resources are in scarce supply, it is also necessary to analyse economic evaluation methodology, such as the tools available to assess cost-effectiveness. Finally, using several case studies, the chapter will explore how various methods can inform decision-makers, and particularly those in LMICs, in order to help them meet relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the mental health context.
