[Epidemiology of mental disorders and psychiatric care. Part 2. Discussion of results].

A prior analysis of treated patients is required in order to develop effectively a system of psychiatric health services. Data are presented respectively for a rural small town area of Upper Bavaria with 424,000 residents. Incidence and prevalence rates of treated mental illness are considered according to various criteria, especially diagnosis. Morbidity rates for localities of varying size are cited as an example of ecological approach. When planning, one must conclude the necessity for differentiated psychiatric treatment within the community, with emphasis on outpatient services.