The paper trail to mental health.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article was to examine the concept of mental health and the policies that have been advanced to improve the wellbeing of the population.


CONCLUSIONS
In the last century there have been many changes in the phenomena of psychiatric disorder, the management of those disorders and the outcomes. All of the changes have largely been due to the efforts of those working pragmatically at the coalface. There is little to suggest that the plans and programs advanced in the last half century have achieved more than enhancing the status of those who advance them.


CONCLUSIONS
It is difficult to define mental health and equally difficult to develop a comprehensive program that will benefit the whole field.
Ellard
John
J
Mental Health Review Tribunal of New South Wales, Balmoral Beach, NSW, Australia.
D001315:Australia; D006285:Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016730:Program Development; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome