[Reconsideration of prevention in mental health in post-industrial society/culture].

The paradigmatic shift in medicine and in psychiatry (the introduction of the bio-psycho-social model) as well as its interaction with certain aspects of the postindustrial society influence both the theory and practice of mental health prevention. The targets of prevention are high risk situations which are defined according to empirical and theoretical criteria. New preventive technics in line with the above mentioned aspects are described. The great importance of adequate education of those who are taking part in mental health prevention is stressed.