A call for disability inclusion that must be heeded
- Reflecting on the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (December 3), the United Nations emphasizes the importance of transformative solutions in neuropsychiatry to reduce disability and achieve inclusive development.
Scope of Neuropsychiatric Disorders
- Neuropsychiatric disorders span various stages of life, including
- Childhood (autism, ADHD, intellectual disability)
- Adolescence and adulthood (anxiety, depression, addiction, schizophrenia)
- Old age (neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s)
Rehabilitation Needs
- The World Health Organization notes that 2.41 billion individuals could benefit from rehabilitation, contributing to 310 million Years of Living with Disabilities (YLD).
- Rehabilitation, often under-resourced, is crucial but not prioritized due to its perception as a disability-specific service.
Interconnected Neurology and Psychiatry
- The continuum of needs between neurology and psychiatry necessitates holistic rehabilitation services addressing a wide spectrum of neurological and mental health issues.
- Rehabilitation services should be multidisciplinary, involving professionals such as physical and occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and psychological therapists.
Scientific Advances in Neuropsychiatry
- Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) procedures prove useful in treating various conditions.
- It includes Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Functional Magnetic Stimulation (FMS)
- Transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) and transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (tA-VNS) are emerging as promising treatments for memory, cognition, mood disorders, and post-COVID-19 symptoms.
Collaboration and Disability Inclusion
- With one billion people with disabilities globally, collaboration between governments, public and private sectors is crucial for finding innovative solutions and achieving disability inclusion.
- The United Nations' call for disability inclusion aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development's promise to leave no one behind.
Conclusion
- The focus on innovative solutions in neuropsychiatry is vital for improving the outcomes and quality of life for individuals with disabilities across various stages of life.
- Collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach are essential to address the diverse needs of this population.