The magnitude and impact of mental health problems have, to a great extent, been underestimated worldwide. Epidemiological studies have clearly demonstrated the high prevalence of CNS diseases and the enormous burden they represent for patients, and for their families and society. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that only half of the patients suffering from mental disorders are recognised. Awareness and early recognition is of the utmost importance in order to improve diagnosis and treatment, and consequently to improve the quality of life of patients and reduce the costs for society.

The European Brain Council (EBC) has shown that the burden of brain diseases constitutes 35% of the total burden of all diseases in Europe. There are an estimated 127 million Europeans currently living with a brain disorder out of a total population of 466 million. The total annual cost of brain disorders in Europe in 2004 was estimated at EUR 386 billion.

H. Lundbeck A/S recognised the implications of mental disorders and established the independent foundation The Lundbeck International Neuroscience Foundation (LINF) and The Lundbeck Institute in 1997 to help reduce the global burden of CNS disorders.

Our vision
To contribute through educational activities to improving the lives of patients suffering from psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Activities
The activities of The Lundbeck Institute are fully dedicated to non-product-related activities of any kind, and there will never be advertising in favour of drugs from any medical company. All activities build upon objective and evidence-based knowledge.

At present, The Lundbeck Institute offers the following activities:

• Interactive and international seminars
• Educational materials
• An educational website and resources for specialists (this site) A psychiatry quality measurement programme (PQM)
• A presentation tool for facilitating local workshops (Workshop Manager)
• A comprehensive database of all psychotropic drugs

The Faculty
The Lundbeck Institute’s educational activities are approved by the LINF Faculty, consisting of more than 80 prominent specialists within psychiatry and neurology as well as patient organisations from all over the world. They take on a number of tasks and responsibilities such as:

• Advising on scientific content
• Involvement in production of The Lundbeck Institute material
• Providing expertise at The Lundbeck Institute seminars

The Lundbeck Institute has its own governing body, the Lundbeck International Neuroscience Foundation (LINF).