International health and psychiatry.

OBJECTIVE

To abstract and evaluate data on psychiatric illness and health care in Canada from a recent major World Bank/World Health Organization (WHO) publication.

METHOD

A review of the publication and related material provides a picture of the level of disability produced by neuropsychiatric disorders. Changing patterns of life expectancy in developing countries, and some social factors associated with prevention are extracted.

RESULTS

Psychiatric disorders account for 15% of disability and premature death in developed countries. A surprisingly small percentage is accounted for by psychoses, and more than expected by post-traumatic stress disorders. Violence against women is highlighted as a risk factor for psychiatric disorders. Objectives for health care systems - improving outcomes, reaching the disadvantaged and containing costs - are detailed.

CONCLUSIONS

Although little formal attention is given to psychiatric disorders, there is a wealth of information about the extent of disability produced by neuropsychiatric disorders, and future directions of health care systems.