Mental health in Brazil: challenges for public policies and legislation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2025.v15.1409Keywords:
psychiatry, Mental health, Public Health Policy, Brazilian Psychiatric Association, Patient RightsAbstract
Introduction: Mental health in Brazil faces an alarming reality. Approximately 18 million Brazilians live with severe mental disorders, and the suicide rate in the country follows a growing trajectory that contrasts with the global decline. This scenario reflects both gaps in access to diagnosis and treatment and structural challenges in public policies aimed at mental health. In a context of fragile care networks, evidence-based legislative initiatives become a crucial element for paradigm change. Objective: To analyze and identify legislative initiatives aimed at the formulation of public policies for mental health in Brazil, focusing on critical gaps and the need for improvements in access to treatment, social inclusion, and funding for therapeutic technologies. Method: Narrative review based on scientific literature, official documents, and epidemiological data. Results: Mental health policy in Brazil has historically been characterized by discontinuity and the prioritization of ideological approaches over scientific evidence. Conclusions: By articulating science, clinical practice, and advocacy, legislative initiatives aimed at prioritizing mental health in the public agenda play an essential role in strengthening the commitment to promotion, prevention, care, and rehabilitation in this area, seeking the well-being of the population.
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