Psychiatry's contract with society

The development of the internet has brought about a seachange in the traditional doctor-patient relationship. No longer is the patient entirely at the mercy of their doctor to tell them about their problems. Via the internet they can now access vast repositories of information, about even the most obscure disorder - not all of it accurate, not all of it safe. This has changed society's attitudes to medicine generally, and certainly affected the way it views the field of psychiatry. The situation has hardly been helped by a series of well publicised scandals over the past 25 years. There are also issues regarding changing social attitudes to psychiatry, and the stigma of mental illness. This book presents a timely appraisal of the status of psychiatry and its relationship with society in the second decade of this century. It brings together an international team of specialists who review critical issues such as training, professionalism, regulation, ethics, and economics. Together, it constitutes a far-reaching document that considers the status of psychiatry now, and how it should develop in the coming years. A publication of great significance, this book will be of interest to all practising psychiatrists and mental health professionals, as well as policy makers, and those involved in patient groups.