System dynamics modelling methods for public health policy evaluation: a systematic literature review focussing on mental health and substance use disorders

SD models are increasingly developed for NCDs and lifestyle-related risk factors, and particularly applied to mental health and substance use disorders. This review offers insights into applied techniques for developing SD models for mental health and substance use disorders, and shows that steps of the modelling cycle are reported on with considerable variation. Although studies frequently report on certain aspects of testing and validation, many report incompletely on other activities of the modelling cycle, and the models sometimes lack transparency. Improving this would enhance the credibility of SD modelling in public health.