ICS joined forces with the European Association of Urology (EAU) and World Federation for Incontinence and Pelvic Problems (WFIPP) in response to the recent European Commission call for evidence in relation to a proposed initiative on a comprehensive approach to mental health.
Within the joint response, we took the opportunity to highlight our overriding belief that the link between urological symptoms and mental health conditions needs recognition in any comprehensive mental health strategy at EU level.
Background
In January 2023, the European Commission launched a call for evidence from interested parties to develop an initiative on a comprehensive approach to mental health.
The aim of the initiative is to support EU countries, stakeholders and citizens by providing a prevention-oriented approach based on incorporating mental health in all policies.
Incontinence and Mental Health
As we know, incontinence is a stigmatised condition which is not often mentioned in political discourse, yet it is estimated to impact 10-20 % of the EU population.
The joint response summarises the relationship between incontinence and mental health disorders and puts forward recommendations as to what should be included in the proposed comprehensive mental health strategy.
Key recommendations
ICS, EAU and WFIPP collectively welcomed the Commission’s ambition to develop a Mental Health Strategy for Europe. In order to take a comprehensive approach, we believe the European Commission should:
- include in its workstream on ‘cross cutting themes’, a specific mention to mental health and related co-morbidities, including incontinence.
- Include a separate workstream on translational clinical research, which could include understanding the links to urinary incontinence.
Click on the link below to download the full joint response document!
Joint Response