What is the future of mental health care?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health conditions now account for 1 in 5 of all long-term debilitating illnesses. Suicide is the second greatest cause of mortality among those aged 15 to 29 worldwide, affecting over 20% of children and adolescents. Mental health, therefore, is an intrinsic component of overall wellbeing.
With the rapid advancement of technology, the future of mental health care is set to undergo significant changes in the coming years. In this article, we will explore some of these key trends and advancements in mental health technologies and peep into the future of mental health care in general.
Future of mental health technologies 2023:
Implementation of cutting-edge technology to enhance diagnosis and therapy is changing the world of mental health. Virtual reality (VR) therapy is one such innovation being used to treat conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and phobias. VR provides the opportunity to immerse patients in feared environments that are tailored to match their specific fear structures.
These activated structures are thereafter modified and broken out of, over time. VR-based exposure is more tolerable for patients than other kinds of experimental treatments. Relevant data claims that rejection rate for VR exposure (3%) was lower than for in-vivo exposure (27%) in a sample of 150 trauma patients.
Another technology that is gaining popularity is telehealth apps. These apps provide patients with access to mental health resources, self-assessment tools, and the ability to communicate with a therapist remotely. In 2023, we can expect to see an increase in the number of telehealth apps available. This includes the use of video conferencing, telepsychiatry, and teletherapy to provide mental health care to individuals in remote and underserved areas.
Future trends in mental health care:
One trend that will continue to acquire prominence in the future is the integration of mental health care into primary care settings. This will make easier access to mental health services possible and will help reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment.
Another trend likely to catch up is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. AI-powered tools can analyze large amounts of data and make predictions about a patient's diagnosis and treatment options. This will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of mental health care.
Additionally, there will be greater focus on community-based care and peer support to help people stay engaged in their treatment just as there will be more emphasis on addressing the social determinants of mental health such as poverty, discrimination, and trauma, to eradicate the structural causes of mental health issues.
Technology and mental health statistics:
With copious amounts of data available on mental health, researchers and healthcare professionals are better able to understand the causes and risk factors for mental health conditions. Additionally, the use of data analytics and machine learning algorithms is set to help identify patterns and trends in mental health care which can be used to improve treatment outcomes.
While technology has the potential to improve mental health care, it is also important to consider its potential negative impact on mental health. 90% of Americans make use of electronic devices on a weekly basis within an hour prior to their bedtime. The increased use of social media and smartphones has been linked to increased rates of depression and anxiety.
Use of a bright screen repeatedly for five days can cause a 1.5-hour delay in circadian rhythms. A person's likelihood of developing poor physical and mental health coordination rises by 20% for every 10% increase in the number of negative interactions they have on social media.
New mental health treatments 2023:
Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) are becoming increasingly popular as a way to increase access to quality care for people across the country. As 2023 moves forward growing awareness of the need for behavioral health services and value-based purchasing will see an increase of CCBHCs because states and commercial payers will be looking for ways to invest in health systems that will maximize value and improve outcomes. That will lead to improved mental health outcomes and improve access to in person care.
Another new treatment that is gaining popularity is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. It has been shown to be effective in treating conditions such as depression and PTSD.
Increased importance of mental healthcare conferences:
Finally, the future of mental health care is set to be shaped by a rise in number of annual mental healthcare conferences. Experts and researchers from around the world will gather more frequently in collaborative spaces to discuss the latest trends, technologies, and treatments in mental health care. In these conferences, healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers will articulate their understandings, challenge and question each other, and ultimately collaborate on new research and projects.
The future of mental health care is set to be shaped by a number of key trends and advancements. All of them indicate a shift towards a more holistic approach to mental health care.
Mental Healthcare FAQs:
1.Is the mental health industry growing?
Yes, the mental health industry is growing. The global mental health market was valued at $383.31 million in 2020, and is estimated to reach $537.97 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2021 to 2030.
2.What trends are we seeing in mental health today?
Some contemporary trends in mental health involve putting a greater emphasis on early intervention and prevention, the use of technology for mental health therapy, and prioritizing mental health in the workplace.
3.What is one major problem with the mental healthcare system?
Access to mental health care is typically restricted. That is the primary challenge within the mental healthcare system. In addition, the doctor patient ratio in mental health care is abysmal.
4.Why is mental health not taken seriously?
The reasons are twofold. First, the stigma associated with mental illness and second, the lack of knowledge around it.
5.Why is mental health care inaccessible?
No insurance coverage, shortage of mental health professionals, and ignorance can all make mental health care unavailable.
