Psychiatric targets in 'health of the nation': regional suicide 1974-1990 and employment prospects in 1990-1994 in Britain: precursors of failure?
The psychiatric targets set in 'The Health of the Nation' reflect a fundamental change in auditing the psychiatric and social services, and it is argued that suicide levels have become 'Paradoxical indicators' of effectiveness. Based upon mortality rates between 1974-1990, inter-regional comparative league tables are presented. Changes in age and gender patterns, and the accumulative impact of unemployment 1990-1994, especially in the more affluent regions, suggest that the suicide targets may not be feasible. The implications for the community and psychiatric services are briefly discussed.
Pritchard
C
C
Dept Social Work Studies, University of Southampton.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001290:Attitude; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014478:Unemployment / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014852:Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D014937:Work; D000092864:Suicide Prevention