Special Interest Groups (SIGs) provide a forum on key issues within psychiatry and mental health. They comprise experts and interested professionals in their respective areas. Their main objectives are to encourage WPA membership to start work in areas that at a later stage may require approval to become a Scientific Section. Special Interest Groups are lead by a Chair and committee to work towards achieving their remit.   ​

There are currently four Special Interest Groups:

The Manual of Procedures complements the WPA Statutes and By-Laws by describing the procedures for the conduct of all regular activities of the World Psychiatric Association consistent with its constitutional mandate.  It helps ensure that all WPA activities are transparent and consistent. A practical tool for all WPA components, the Manual is continuously developed and updated – new activities will be developed within the WPA’s existing statutory framework, whilst procedures for regular and ongoing activities will be refined in the light of evolving experience. The ninth edition of the Manual of Procedures incorporates the amendments to the Statutes and By-Laws as agreed by the General Assembly held in Vienna in September 2023.