Principles that should guide mental health policies in low-and middle-income countries.

An editorial is presented which addresses the principles behind the development of mental health policies in low and middle income countries (LMICs). The authors discuss the burden of mental health problems in LMICs. They cite the categories of resources for the development of mental health care services. They emphasize the need for the principles to guide mental health policies in LMICs to be founded on public health needs.