Analysis of the Mental Health Legislation in Mexico

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the Mexican mental health legislation and the standards of the WHO Checklist on Mental Health Legislation. For the legislation analysis, the content of the Mexican main legal instruments was assessed using the Checklist on Mental Health Legislation designed by the World Health Organization. Legislation in Mexico adequately covers 37 (28.9 percent) of the 128 WHO items examined, 42 (32.8 percent) items were covered to some extent, and 49 (38.3 percent) items were not covered at all. Further research is needed in this field; yet it is recommended to take into account this assessment in order to use it as a guideline for the future process of reviving and updating the Mexican legislation on mental health with a human rights approach.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gabriel Sotelo-Monroy

Gabriel Sotelo-Monroy is a general practitioner with a master’s degree in Health Systems and works at the Servicios de Atención Psiquiátrica (Psychiatric Care Services) of the Secretaría de Salud (Health Ministry) in Mexico City

María Josefa Cavazos-Olivo

María Josefa Cavazos-Olivo and Tizbé Sauer-Vera are child and adolescent psychiatrists at the Servicios de Atención Psiquiátrica (Psychiatric Care Services) of the Secretaría de Salud (Health Ministry) in Mexico City

Tizbé Sauer-Vera

María Josefa Cavazos-Olivo and Tizbé Sauer-Vera are child and adolescent psychiatrists at the Servicios de Atención Psiquiátrica (Psychiatric Care Services) of the Secretaría de Salud (Health Ministry) in Mexico City

Francisco de la Rosa-Donlucas

Francisco de la Rosa-Donlucas is a psychologist with a master’s degree in medical sciences and works at the Servicios de Atención Psiquiátrica (Psychiatric Care Services) of the Secretaría de Salud (Health Ministry) in Mexico City