Overview

An overview

National Institute of Mental Health was established in 1952 to improve mental health of general population through comprehensive and integrative research in psychiatry, psychology, sociology, social welfare and community health service, as well as the education of mental health professionals. In October 1986, it was merged into National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry so as to make more effective contribution to the public mental health.
We currently have a broad range of research fields of biology, clinical medicine and administrative science for promoting effective policy making in national mental health care. Our institute is composed of 9 departments and 1 center, which is National Information Center for Stress and Disaster Mental Health. Our duty on education of mental health professionals has been continued and intensified to propagate appropriate and the latest information of each field.

Greeting

Greetings from the Director General:

National Institute of Mental Health continues to contribute to the promotion of mental health.

We have been seeing the increasing number of patients with stress-related mental diseases such as depression, adjustment disorders, substance-related and addictive disorders, and sleep disorders in the modern world. The origins, treatment, and prevention of mental diseases cannot be discussed without considering their relationship to society. However, stress alone is unlikely to cause mental diseases. A stress diathesis model can help us understand why a mental disease occurs, where stress refers to mental and physical stresses, and diathesis refers to predisposing factors or disposition. The basic idea in current medical science is that mental diseases are caused by a combination of stress and diathesis. In addition to stress, susceptibility to stress also plays a role in the development of illness. Therefore, it is important to examine the nature of mental diseases from a bio-psycho-social perspective.

The National Center for Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP) holds two research institutes to conduct research aimed at overcoming mental, neurological, and muscular disorders, as well as developmental disorders; the National Institute of Neuroscience and the National Institute of Mental Health. The mission of the former is to work on elucidation of essential pathology of the above diseases, while our institute has the mission to conduct research on mental diseases and mental health and to return the results to society to improve the measures of prevention and treatment of diseases and promote mental health.
The history of our institute dates back to 1952, and from that time on, treatment and prevention in the community were considered. It was here that the treatment method known as psychiatric day care, which is now offered at many medical institutions, was developed. The slogans that have existed since that time, "treatment and support for daily life" and "improving mental health," have been carried on by our staff, and we continue to conduct surveys and research so that the results can be returned to society. We also strive to develop new treatment methods and disseminate and educate the public about related knowledge and techniques. At the same time, we are also conducting biological research that will serve as the foundation for these efforts.

The basic philosophy of the NCNP is that the hospital, two research institutes, and various centers inside will work together to conduct research aimed at conquering the above diseases, develop advanced pioneering medical treatments based on the results of such research, and disseminate them throughout the country. We will continue our efforts to fulfill our role as a member of that family. We will also focus our efforts on cooperation with related institutions and organizations at home and abroad. In addition, we will remember our mission to "improve mental health" and will address various issues in today's society, while listening to our stakeholders: persons concerned, families, supporters, and the public.

Yoshinori Cho
Director General, National Institute of Mental Health
National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
April 2024

Departments