Mental health encompasses the state of balance and well-being of our emotional, psychological and social being; as well it shapes our perception, emotions and behaviour in the face of life’s challenges. It has a significant influence on our ability to manage stress, our interactions with other individuals and the decisions we make.
In the recent times, the awareness of the issues regarding it are much more widespread. With that comes a lot of initiatives to try to promote a positive mental health. One of those approaches involves innovation: transferring R&I (Research and Innovation) into solutions that can solve mental illness.
R&I plays a key role in delivering solutions tailored to the specific needs mental health issues and. It also provides the evidence needed for the development of policies to counter mental health-related challenges, as well as the promotion of resilience and wellbeing of users.
Recent innovations in mental health cover four key areas: medicines, medical devices, digital platforms, and IT technologies. Advances in neuroscience and genetics have driven drug development, notably antibody-based therapies like Donanemab and Lecanemab, which slow Alzheimer’s progression by targeting beta-amyloid proteins, alongside personalized treatment plans enabled by genetic insights. Neuroimaging tools (fMRI, DTI, PET) and devices such as transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) and neurofeedback enhance diagnosis and non-invasive therapies for psychiatric disorders and pain. Digital platforms offer accessible mental health resources via apps for mood tracking, CBT, and telemedicine, while peer networks reduce stigma. Cutting-edge IT innovations include AI-powered Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) for personalized care and Virtual Reality (VR) therapy, which achieves a 66–90% success rate in treating PTSD when combined with CBT. Together, these advancements integrate precision medicine, technology, and accessibility to transform mental healthcare.
