Challenges and opportunities for mental health research in Australia

Australia is a diverse country comprising people from many different backgrounds, races and ethnic groups including immigrant and indigenous cultures. The mental health needs of Australian society reflect the composition of the Australian population and the particular issues faced by the various sectors of the society. In conjunction with greater understanding of the significant burdens that illnesses such as dementia, depression, schizophrenia, suicide and anxiety disorders place on all levels of Australian society, there is a changing view of the priorities for mental health research. In this article we summarize current, emerging and future mental health challenges confronting Australia and review the efforts that Australian researchers are making to meet these challenges.