The event will address regional perspectives on mental health and will include issues such as the effects of poverty and exile on mental health and the impact of the media. According to the United Nations, three quarters of the 1,500m people who suffer from mental illness at any given time are thought to come from developing countries. Some 340m people suffer from depression or manic disorders. Around 45m people in the world are thought to suffer from schizophrenia - more than 33m are from developing countries. Symptoms include delusions and incoherent thoughts.
Studies show a link between low income and schizophrenia.
World Health Organisation research suggests people in developing countries respond better to treatment than those in rich countries. Dementia Another growing concern for mental health workers is the increase in cases of dementia, due to the ageing of the world's population. Dementia is characterised by progressive memory failure and confusion. By 2025, it is estimated that the number of people suffering from senile dementia in Africa, Asia and Latin America will quadruple from 20m in 1990 to 80m. In addition, the World Health Organisation says refugees are much more likely to suffer from psychological effects than physical effects.