Psychotherapy for depression and anxiety in low- and middle-income countries

Depression and anxiety disorders are important public health problems in high-income countries and in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Psychological treatments for depression and anxiety disorders can play a major role in reducing the disease burden of these disorders. Most psychological treatments that are evidence-based have been developed in Western countries, and these include a range of cognitive behavioral therapies, interpersonal psychotherapy, psychodynamic approaches, and counseling. A growing number of studies show that these therapies are at least as effective in non-Western countries as they are in Western countries. Adaptation of the interventions to other cultures is needed in order for therapies to be effective. Implementation of some therapies may be facilitated through the use of nonprofessional or lay health counselors instead of fully trained psychotherapists or psychiatrists. New technologies may also offer new opportunities to reduce the disease burden of depression and anxiety disorders in LMIC.