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Psychiatric Priorities in Developing Countries

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

R. Giel
Affiliation:
University of Groningen, The Netherlands
T. W. Harding
Affiliation:
Office of Mental Health, World Health Organization, Geneva

Summary

Many psychiatrists assert that an expansion of mental health services in the developing countries is overdue. This will only take place if: (i) the tasks of mental health care are undertaken by a wide range of non-specialist health workers, including those responsible for primary health care; and (ii) services are directed initially at a very limited range of priority conditions. The method of priority selection is discussed, and the process required for translation of priority decisions into health action is exemplified by two illustrations.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1976 

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