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This is such a great question! It is also very complicated. The mental health system has a long history of confusion, political control, and influence from so called "seasoned" professionals such as Sigmund Freud and Emil Kraepelin. The influence of "seasoned professionals" and their political and cultural ideologies are partially to blame.
But the impact of de-institutionalization is great and we see that today with violence, victimization, homelessness, and incarceration of the mentally ill across the nation. About 7.7 million American adults suffer from severe mental illness, while about 20% of children and adolescents suffer from severe mental illness as well. Severe mental illness is the culprit behind incidents involving a good number of incarcerations, deaths, victimizations, homelessness, and even homicides. We can blame de-institutionalization for most of this trouble.
De-institutionalization occured during the early 1950s-1970s and was encouraged by a multiplicity of supporters of short-term care. The decision to reduce hospitals around the nation and increase community care was done in good conscience. The problem is that the release of millions of severely ill citizens (or de-institutionalization) was not strategically thought out by many hospitals and state and federal law decision makers. As a result, these severely ill individuals were relased into the public but with very little direction, aftercare, social work services, case management, housing, and other services needed to help these individuals live independent lives. The majority of these individuals ended up homeless, victimized (by criminals and sometimes law enforcement), jailed, placed in residential treatment facilities or group homes, and even dead (by suicide or homicide). As a result of poor after-planning, our society took a great hit.
Today, we have a society of individuals who are not being treated in a timely and appropriate fashion because of laws supporting short-term care, community care, and de-institutionalization. One such law that supports short-term care is the "dangerousness criteria." This criteria, active in many states, was put into place to make involuntary commitment a last resort option for treating the mentally ill. An indivdiual must have a detailed suicide or homicide plan and admit to their plan before being hospitalized. In many cases, if a hospital or agency does not believe an individual is harmful to self or others, the hospital or agency will not hospitalize and treat the individual. In many cases, patients have learned to "play" the system and often refrain from admitting their homicial or suicidal (and in some cases both) thoughts. As a result, these individuals are let go, untreated and nothing ever happens to help them. In severe cases, the individual never gets treatment and ends up dead or desiring to cause harm to others.
For more information on this issue, check out my article here on Answers (http://mentalhealth.answers.com/mentally-challenged/5-ways-the-mental-health-system-has-failed-families#slide1) or read about John Shick in Pennsylvania (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tag/john-shick).
What else can I help you with?
How the mental health organization an open system?
In what ways is the mental health organization an open system
Explain the link between mental and physical health . how do they interact and what effect can each have on the other?
Mental and physical health are interconnected. Poor mental health can lead to physical health issues like weakened immune system or increased risk of chronic diseases. Conversely, chronic physical conditions can impact mental health by causing stress, anxiety, or depression. Taking care of both aspects is crucial for overall well-being.
What has the author Sinikka McCabe written?
Sinikka McCabe has written: 'Recommendations for further development of a comprehensive mental health system in Montana' -- subject(s): Mental health planning, Mental health services
What is the goal of mental health courts?
The goal of mental health courts is to provide individuals with mental health issues who have been involved in the criminal justice system with access to treatment and support rather than traditional punitive measures. These specialized courts aim to address the underlying mental health problems contributing to criminal behavior, reduce recidivism, and promote rehabilitation. By facilitating collaboration between the legal system and mental health services, mental health courts strive to improve the overall well-being of participants and enhance public safety.
What is the impact of cancer?
Cancer can be devastating to the victim's health. emotions. and mental state, and is often deadly. It also has a profound emotional effect on the victim's family and close friends. Since cancer treatment is costly, it also has an impact on the victim's financial health, but it brings in billons of dollars a year to the medical system.
What best describes the DSM?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a widely used classification system for mental health disorders. It provides criteria for diagnosing mental illnesses and helps in standardizing diagnoses among mental health professionals. The DSM is regularly updated to reflect advances in our understanding of mental health.
How does the mind body relationship impact overall health and well-being?
The mind-body relationship plays a significant role in overall health and well-being. Our thoughts, emotions, and mental state can influence our physical health, immune system, and stress levels. Positive mental health practices, such as mindfulness and stress management, can improve overall well-being and lead to better health outcomes. Conversely, negative emotions and stress can have a detrimental impact on the body, leading to various health issues. It is important to maintain a healthy mind-body connection to promote overall health and well-being.
What things impact on the health your circulatory system?
Eating fatty foods will impact on your circulatory system because the fat is absobed in the blood.
How is mental health and emotional health related?
They are processed by the same system, the brain and both occur outside the realm of physiology.
What is Biological perspective?
The biological perspective in psychology emphasizes the role of biology, such as genetics, brain structure, and nervous system functioning, in influencing behavior, thoughts, and emotions. It explores how physiological processes impact mental health and behavior.
How do damaged dopamine receptors affect the brain's reward system and overall mental health?
Damaged dopamine receptors can disrupt the brain's reward system, leading to decreased feelings of pleasure and motivation. This can contribute to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Is cerebal palsy a mental health problem?
No, Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder, meaning it's a disorder of the central nervous system. A mental health problem would be psychological like schizophrenia or depression.
