It is difficult to quantify the population burden of mental illness. Many individuals who die prematurely do so from physical illnesses which are recognised in death certification; those who die by suicide may be reported in injury figures. However, it is estimated that in 2010 mental health and substance misuse disorders accounted for 7.4% of all disability-adjusted life years globally. Many affected people do not have access to the treatment they need. This book aims to provide guidance on how mental health services can be provided, bearing in mind the resources available in both high- and low-income countries.

The book is set in four sections. Sections 1 and 2 present various challenges and evidence-based solutions for global mental health, including (but not limited to) the human and financial resource gap, how to build capacity in primary and community care and make an economic case for improved services; the need for research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries; the need to develop understanding of personal recovery, how this might be translated internationally and interventions which have sought to re-focus care workers on patients’ personal goals; and ensuring equality for people with mental illness, including employment and access to preventive healthcare. The final section returns to similar themes.

Section 3 was my favourite part of the book. Here, approaches to research are presented including quantitative epidemiological designs, clinical brain imaging and qualitative research techniques. These chapters describe complex and sometimes unfamiliar concepts in clear and engaging ways.

A major strength of the book is the narrative. The book was inspired by and is dedicated to Michele Tansella and the fact that many authors have a connection to him may be part of the reason for it being a cohesive read. However, this may also be considered a weakness in a book about global mental health. Italy (particularly south Verona) and the UK are overrepresented in the pages and 42 out of 67 authors come from these two countries. There are no authors from low-income countries and just one middle-income country is represented (India). This means the reader cannot be certain that perspectives are not missing.

The other major strength of the book may also be considered a weakness. It is a contemporary look at a fast-changing landscape, with recent and ongoing work presented. This may put a sell-by date on it. I recommend reading it in the next 12 months to derive the greatest benefit.