[On the future relevance of mental health care for population mental health].

Abstract

Background: Opinions differ on the societal importance of mental health care (GGZ) and the direction it should take. Is there a need for prevention targeting high-risk health groups, should more attention be paid to precision psychiatry, or is the focus better placed on promoting a mentally healthy lifestyle or accessible care in disadvantaged neighborhoods?

Aim: To outline the social importance of mental health care from three perspectives: the biomedical-clinical approach, the moral-philosophical, social-critical perspective and an approach that emphasizes social inequality and disadvantage. Further I reflect on the possible importance of some innovations in mental health care for future general mental health.

Method: Literature review and consideration.

Results: Questions about the social importance of mental health care and the future direction of mental health care are typically viewed from a biomedical and clinical perspective, with the assumption that what benefits patients is also the most direct path to improved public mental health. However, other narratives also dominate the discussion, such as socio-critical approaches or perspectives emphasizing social inequality and marginalization.

Conclusion: Anyone who examines these approaches from a public health perspective must conclude that many innovations in mental health care are largely irrelevant to public mental health, despite their impact on the relationship between society and mental health care.