Understanding and addressing inequalities in mental health

Mental health status is not homogenous across populations but differs between males and females and by sexual orientation, ethnicity and indigeneity, migration status and socio-economic status, among others. Inequalities in mental health are often aggravated by inequalities in access to and quality of mental healthcare, which are more likely to negatively impact people in vulnerable circumstances. This Working Paper starts with an overview of inequalities in mental health status and access, experience and outcomes of mental health care, quantifying these differences and reviewing their determinants and risk factors. The second part of the paper strengthens the evidence base on policies to address the inequalities identified. Using information collected from 37 OECD countries through a questionnaire and interviews, it characterises policy adoption in the promotion of good mental health and prevention of mental-ill health, access to responsive and high-quality mental health care and the improvement of treatment experiences and outcomes for groups in most vulnerable circumstances and at higher risk. The paper highlights relevant and innovative strategies implemented by countries in addressing inequalities and complements country information with evidence from the literature on what interventions seem effective to reinforce population mental health resilience and close the mental health gaps.