As part of its Action Plan 2008-2011, the WPA is producing guidance papers on issues of great practical interest to psychiatrists worldwide. Each guidance is developed by a task force including some of the leading international experts of the specific issue, and approved by the Executive Committee.
The first guidance, published in the June 2010 issue of World Psychiatry, deals with steps, obstacles and mistakes to avoid in the implementation of community mental health care. It has been developed by a task force chaired by Graham Thornicroft.
The second guidance, which has been published in the October 2010 issue of World Psychiatry, deals with how to combat stigmatization of psychiatry and psychiatrists. It has been produced by a task force chaired by Norman Sartorius.
The third guidance, which has been published in the February 2011 issue of World Psychiatry, deals with mental health and mental health care in migrants. It has been produced by a task force led by Dinesh Bhugra.
The fourth guidance, which has been published in the June 2011 issue of World Psychiatry, deals with protection and promotion of mental health in children of persons with severe mental disorders. It has been produced by a task force chaired by Ian Brockington.
