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Healthy Interactions and the European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) Sign New Deal to Help People with Neurological Disorders

May 11th, 2009

05.07.09, 09:21 AM EDT

BusinessWire - It is reported that 33 million people in Europe will suffer from depression in any given year. Compared with all other diseases (including cancer and heart disease), neurological disorders rank first in terms of causing disability in Europe, where figures suggest that one third of visits to the doctor concern mental health.

Whilst treatments exist for most neurological disorders, the majority of people with severe mental illnesses are not treated and mental illnesses are still under,or misdiagnosed, in most European countries.

In light of this EFNA and Healthy Interactions have announced their partnership. They will work on a series of Conversation Map™ programmes helping patients and carers better understand and manage the treatment of mental health disorders including depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, and neurological diseases including Parkinson's disease, dementia and Alzheimer's. Healthy Interactions Conversation Maps use conversation-based, person-to-person education to achieve better personal engagement and help patients manage their condition.

The three by five foot Conversation Map tools feature images, statistics and exercises designed to be fun and engaging for groups of up to ten people who are guided through sessions by trained healthcare professionals.

Mary Baker, EFNA President, welcomes the support Conversation Map tools will bring to patients and carers: "EFNA's motto is "Partnership for Progress", and our work with Healthy Interactions defines this perfectly. We must put in place more easy-to-use, education programmes to support patients with mental health and neurological disorders. The Conversation Map programmes we are working on with Healthy Interactions will make a significant difference."

Healthy Interactions, world leader in helping patients self manage their health, has already developed programmes that are used in over 50 countries including the US and UK.

Paul Lasiuk, of Healthy Interactions, says they are delighted to be involved with EFNA: "Conversation Map tools were developed to be adapted for different audiences and their success helping patients and carers deal with a range of illnesses is a reflection of their strength. We look forward to this programme supporting those suffering with mental health and neurological problems."

Notes :

1. WHO Mental Health in the European Region Factsheet, 2003

2. WHO, 2001

For information go to: www.healthyinteractions.com

SOURCE: Healthy Interactions

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