The burden on the community - The epidemiology of mental illness

This report discusses whether prognosis is affected by current measures.

Report

Published: 01/01/1962

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It appears possible by the use of powerful pharmacological agents, the period in hospital for all mental illness is being reduced and the total number of beds in mental hospitals at the end of each year shows a slight progressive fall.

However, the re-admission rates are going up, suggesting we are not quite sure what we are doing.

This report discusses whether the prognosis is ultimately affected by these measures and whether the total load of suffering and incapacity of the community is reduced by them.

Suggested citation

Nuffield Trust (1962) The burden on the community - The epidemiology of mental illness