Mixing with Medics Interacting with Mental Health Professionals

Mixing with Medics: Interacting with Mental Health Professionals on their Turf Matthew Smith Centre for the Social History of Health and Healthcare University of Strathclyde

Why Study the History of Medicine and Health?

Pierre Berton (1920 -2004) Too popular for his own good?

Message from the President on Mental Illness and Mental Retardation John F. Kennedy (1963) -‘Infectious epidemics are now largely under control. Most of the major diseases of the body are beginning to give ground in man's increasing struggle to find their cause and cure. But the public understanding, treatment and prevention of mental disabilities have not made comparable progress since the earliest days of modern history. ’ - ‘…we must seek out the causes of mental illness and of mental retardation and eradicate them. Here, more than in any other area, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. ’ For prevention is far more desirable for all concerned. It is far more economical and it is far more likely to be successful. Prevention will require both selected specific programs directed especially at known causes, and the general strengthening of our fundamental community, social welfare, and educational programs which can do much to eliminate or correct the harsh environmental conditions which often are associated with mental retardation and mental illness. ’

Research on Social Determinants of Mental Health Robert E. L. Faris and H. Warren Dunham: Mental Health in Urban Areas (1939) – Chicago August B. Hollingshead and Frederick C. Redlich: Social Class and Mental Illness (1958) – New Haven, CT August B. Hollingshead Frederick C. Redlich

Research on Social Determinants of Mental Health, continued… Alexander Leighton: Stirling County Studies (1959 -1963) – Nova Scotia Jane Murphy and Alexander Leighton Leo Srole et al: Mental Health in the Metropolis (1962) - Manhattan

When Theory Meets Politics - Ultimately, social psychiatric theories demanded political action. - Unwillingness of rival psychiatric disciplines to compromise – professional politics and the prestige of psychiatry. - Many “new” mental illnesses (depression, hyperactivity, etc…) were prevalent in affluent areas. - Social psychiatry split into cross-cultural psychiatry, community psychiatry and preventive psychiatry. - Finally, were mental health workers willing and able to become political actors? Were they willing and able to change society? Are they now?

Chicago

David Satcher 16 th Surgeon General of the United States, 1998 -2002

The Drake Hotel South-Side Chicago

Acknowledgements Wellcome Trust SDMH Organisers Ed Ramsden