Psychiatry in Britain: Meaning and Policy (Routledge Library Editions: Psychiatry) - Softcover

Ramon, Shulamit

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1138317284 ISBN 13: 9781138317284

Publisher: Routledge, 2020

Synopsis

Originally published in 1985, this book focuses on British psychiatric policies, particularly in the 1920s, and 1950s when the main legislation concerning mental illness was passed. It approaches policy primarily as the outcome of the relationship between politicians’ attitudes and those of professional groups in a specific social context. It examines the beliefs and theories of psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists and social workers, as well as the attitudes of government and MPs to mental illness, related services and its role in society.

It is argued that the adherence to a medical-somatic view of mental illness by psychiatrists and politicians alike has led to the exclusion of viable alternatives, despite lip service being paid to some of them. It is shown that the issues of recent decades have important messages today, particularly in view of the 1982 amendments to the Mental Health Act and the debate about community services.

About this title

About the Author

Professor Shula Ramon is a social worker and clinical psychologist by her professional background. She has researched and published extensively on key themes in mental health and social work, in the UH and internationally.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1138317284
• ISBN 13: 9781138317284
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 340