WHO operational handbook on tuberculosis: module 6: tuberculosis and comorbidities: mental health conditions

This operational handbook provides practical guidance for integrating mental health and substance use services into tuberculosis (TB) care within the framework of WHO recommendations on TB and comorbidities. It addresses the strong association between TB, mental health conditions and substance use disorders, highlighting their impact on treatment adherence, quality of life and TB treatment outcomes. The document emphasizes the need for people-centred, rights-based and integrated care approaches that respond to the complex social, psychological and health needs of people affected by TB.

The handbook outlines strategies for the identification, assessment and management of depression, anxiety, psychoses, substance use disorders and suicidal behaviours among people with TB. It describes the use of screening tools, referral pathways, psychosocial interventions, task-sharing approaches and WHO mhGAP resources to support service integration in primary care settings. The publication also discusses stigma, homelessness, multimorbidity, palliative care and TB-associated disabilities as important considerations influencing mental health and TB care. It is intended to support national programmes, policy-makers and health workers in strengthening coordinated and comprehensive TB services.