A social paradigm in psychiatry – themes and perspectives. (21st March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Priebe, S.
• Is Part Of: Epidemiology and psychiatric sciences. Volume 25:Number 6(2016)
• Page Start: 521
• Page End: 527
• Publication Date: 2016-03-21
• Subjects: interactions, -- mental health care, -- social constructs, -- social determinants, -- social networks, -- social paradigm, -- social psychiatry; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Community psychiatry -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.1017/S2045796016000147
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7960

Abstract

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.