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A social paradigm in psychiatry – themes and perspectives

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 March 2016

S. Priebe*
Affiliation:
Unit for Social & Community Psychiatry (WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Service Development, Queen Mary University of London)
*
*Address for correspondence: Professor S. Priebe, Queen Mary's University of London, Social Psychiatry, London, UK. (Email: [email protected])

Abstract

Aims.

Psychiatry as science is underpinned by paradigms. Considering whether a social paradigm may help to advance the current state of psychiatry, the review provides a reference to the rich, but fragmented past of related initiatives in the history of psychiatry and a personal view of themes, challenges and perspectives of using a social paradigm in psychiatry.

Methods.

Major themes are the evidence on social determinants of mental health; the value-based importance of integrating people with mental disorders in society; options to overcome the social isolation and improve the networks of psychiatric patients; utilising a systemic approach for interventions in families and communities; and understanding group and one-to-one treatments in psychiatry primarily as social interactions. Whilst all these themes open up perspectives for future action and/or research, there are also conceptual challenges through the limitations of the current construct of mental disorders and the dominating terminology.

Results.

Initiatives for using a social paradigm in psychiatry may refer to important achievements in the past, but need to go beyond this and consider on-going societal changes.

Conclusion.

Innovation may benefit from close collaboration with social sciences and humanities.

Type
Special Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016 

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