The mhGAP guideline has been developed to help countries improve their ability to address the increasing challenges of mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) conditions and reduce the treatment gap. With 30 updated and 18 new recommendations, along with 90 existing recommendations, this latest edition is the third iteration of the guideline and reflects years of investment in the mhGAP programme. These revised recommendations are designed to ensure that mhGAP provides non-specialist health workers in low and middle-income countries with high-quality, timely, transparent, and evidence-based guidance to effectively treat and care for individuals with MNS conditions.

The need for improved capacity to address MNS conditions is growing, as they continue to be a major public health concern worldwide. In many low- and middle-income countries, there is a lack of trained mental health professionals, which can lead to poor treatment outcomes for individuals with MNS conditions. The mhGAP guideline aims to help bridge this gap by providing practical guidance for non-specialist health workers on how to diagnose and treat common MNS disorders.

The latest edition of the mhGAP guideline includes 30 updated recommendations and 18 new recommendations, in addition to the 90 pre-existing recommendations. This represents a significant investment in improving access to mental health care in low- and middle-income countries. The revised guidelines provide clear advice on best practices for diagnosis, treatment, and management of MNS conditions across a range of settings, from primary care clinics to hospitals.

Overall, the mhGAP guideline plays an important role in improving access to mental health care in low- and middle-income countries by providing practical guidance for non-specialist health workers on how to diagnose and treat common MNS disorders. With its latest iteration representing years of investment in the mhGAP programme over the past 15 years, it continues to provide high-quality, timely, transparent