Implementing Primary Prevention into Clinical Practice

Abstract The increasing incidence of mental disorders poses an urgent challenge for psychiatry—one that cannot be addressed by treatment alone. The only sustainable path forward is to prioritize mental health promotion and primary prevention at all levels: universal, selective, and indicated . While often seen as a long-term investment, primary prevention is cost-effective and essential for reducing the future burden of mental illness. This is not science fiction; it is a necessary shift that must happen now within our clinical services. In this lecture, I will show how primary prevention is already being implemented within the Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health in Madrid , showcasing real-world programs that integrate prevention into everyday psychiatric practice. By embedding prevention into mental healthcare, we can move from a reactive to a proactive model—one that truly addresses the root causes of mental disorders and ensures a healthier future. Disclosure of Interest None Declared