Fighting for Mental Health

A 2002 collection of insights into the core concerns for modern psychiatry from one of the world's best-respected psychiatrists.

Norman Sartorius has for many years surveyed the state of psychiatry worldwide and campaigned for greater equity and honesty in the clinical and research agenda. This 2002 collection of his thoughts ranges from trenchant critiques to more light-hearted pieces; all point to the core concerns for worldwide mental health programmes today.As Director of the Division of Mental Health at the World Health Organization, and subsequently President of the World Psychiatric Association, Norman Sartorius has over many years been in a position to survey the state of psychiatry worldwide and to campaign for greater equity and honesty in the clinical and research agenda. The essays collected in this 2002 book represent his latest thinking, as well as including his own selection from among a few of his innumerable speeches and previously published articles. They range from trenchant critiques of mental health service delivery and prevention to more light-hearted, anecdotal pieces on the use of language and how to get things done. All point to the core concerns for mental health programmes today: definition of needs; the role of psychiatry worldwide; and the challenges that urbanization presents for mental health. This is a book that every psychiatrist will wish to own.