Community Hospitals,Psychiatry and Illness Prevention

The community hospital is a uniquely well suited setting for programs of preventive psychiatry. As an information center as well as a service center, it affords an opportunity for the psychiatrist to come together with other members of the medical community to initiate programs which not only will foster earlier diagnosis and more adequate treatment of psychiatric syndromes, but also will achieve other important goals as well. Whether dealing with children, adults or families, all members of the health profession can establish effective programs to strengthen the individual's ability to cope with predictable stresses, thereby reducing the likelihood of emotional decompensation. For this purpose, changes of attitude and approach are required, within the hospital group and in the relationship between the health profession and the community.