An Innovation Culture in Mental Health Management Complements Current Therapies for Improved Efficacy and Access to Care
Mental health conditions reduce people’s life expectancy - yet mental health takes a distant second place to physical health in many instances. This is slowly changing after the COVID-19 pandemic triggered rising cases of anxiety and depression, as have other geopolitical conditions and natural calamities. With rising awareness, new treatments emerge that can complement existing therapies for better outcomes.
Treating mental health issues is challenging because a condition may have varying causes, such as environmental and genetic factors, and different symptoms present themselves in different degrees. As a result, combining therapies - instead of using a single therapy - could result in better efficacy. Psychotherapy and medication have been long-standing treatment methods, and now more advanced techniques for diagnosis and treatment can prove beneficial for people with limited access to a clinic, like telehealth consultations or the use of virtual reality, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and the use of wearables for detecting a symptom and notifying a medical professional. These advanced technologies help serve patients throughout the day and not just during emergencies, which closes the gaps in care. Research is also underway for biomarkers and other diagnostic tools that can detect a mental health condition, surpassing the traditional technique of monitoring symptoms for a certain period.
Much development is also undergoing in the nootropic space. Nootropics, generally used to improve brain performance, are available without a medical prescription. Microbiome therapeutics and naturally available substances are another area being explored further for therapeutic benefits.
This report identifies the challenges, drivers, and growth opportunities in this space and helps foresee its growth outlook. It also provides an overview of the stakeholder ecosystem, identifying notable mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships. Finally, the report provides a detailed account of the funding landscape for stakeholders and market players to leverage.
