Trends and developments in public psychiatry in France since 1975.
OBJECTIVE
The authors present an account of the current state of sectorization in France and its development over the last decade.


METHODS
The paper is based on statistics collected by the French Health Ministry and on relevant laws and regulations. Comments by patients, families and professionals are presented.


RESULTS
The supply of mental health care is usually satisfactory, and there is a tendency for in-patient units to be converted into day hospitals. There is a large disparity between regions, especially in child and adolescent psychiatry. The 1838 law governing compulsory admissions was revised in 1990, and this revision was the object of a commission of inquiry in 1995. Psychiatric units work on the borders between health and social services and are forging new links between the two.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychiatric care requires an integrated health and social perspective. In the field of mental health legislation European recommendations are called for.
Provost
D
D
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Centre Hospitalier, Rouffach, France. d.provost@ch-rouffach.fr
Bauer
A
A
D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends; D005190:Family; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends*; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends*; D011634:Public Health / Q000639:trends*