People with mental health problems face major discrimination in much of the world, campaigners say today.
More than a third of countries ban them from marriage and from voting, according to a survey conducted for the World Psychiatric Association.
The findings of the survey were released for World Mind Matters Day and published in the International Review of Psychiatry.
The study of 193 United Nations member states found that 37% ban marriage by people with mental health problems. Mental illness is grounds for marriage annulment in 11% of countries, the survey found.
And in 36% of countries patients are not allowed to vote.
The survey found that in 38% of countries patients cannot sign contracts and in 42% of countries they cannot write their own will and testament.
WPA president Dinesh Bhugra said: “It is important, that clinicians around the globe work with patients, their carers, and their families, as well as with relevant organizations representing these groups, to challenge discrimination, change laws, and ensure that these are applied equally.
"There is simply no explanation for continuing discrimination against individuals with mental illness, their families, and those who care for them, whether they are professional or lay carers.”
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