[Comparative analysis of the legal framework on mental health and suicide in Mexico]

Abstract

Objective: Analyze the legislative and normative framework on mental health and suicide in Mexico.

Materials and methods: A secondary analysis of the main legal systems on mental health and suicide, in force until September 2020, of the 32 entities in Mexico and at the federal level was carried out.

Results: 51 documents were analyzed. Only 14 states have a mental health law and two states have a law on suicide. At the federal level, the guidelines for the care of suicidal behavior are defined in the technical standards issued by the Health Ministry. However, in both state and national health laws, there have been omissions in this regard. Prevention is not defined in depth in most of the documents analyzed.

Conclusions: It is a priority to promote comprehensive laws on mental health and suicidal behavior harmonized at the national level.

Keywords: Mexico; legislation; mental health; suicidal behavior; suicide.