Citation

Bland RC. Can. J. Psychiatry 1996; 41(1): 11-15.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Canadian Psychiatric Association, Publisher SAGE Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8919418

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To abstract and evaluate data on psychiatric illness and health care in Canada from a recent major World Bank/World Health Organization (WHO) publication. METHOD: A review of the publication and related material provides a picture of the level of disability produced by neuropsychiatric disorders. Changing patterns of life expectancy in developing countries, and some social factors associated with prevention are extracted. RESULTS: Psychiatric disorders account for 15% of disability and premature death in developed countries. A surprisingly small percentage is accounted for by psychoses, and more than expected by post-traumatic stress disorders. Violence against women is highlighted as a risk factor for psychiatric disorders. Objectives for health care systems - improving outcomes, reaching the disadvantaged and containing costs - are detailed. CONCLUSIONS: Although little formal attention is given to psychiatric disorders, there is a wealth of information about the extent of disability produced by neuropsychiatric disorders, and future directions of health care systems.

Language: en