Concerns about mental well-being are among the top discussion items in modern society. This is a welcome development when compared with a history of neglect and stigma, but it brings new challenges for psychiatry. More patients are accessing care than ever before and there is ever-greater demand for services. Yet existing treatments are only partially effective and come with significant side effect burden in most cases. This situation has turned a spotlight on psychiatry and demands a realistic assessment of current trends and challenges. Psychiatry can and should reform itself, but this should happen with patient well-being in focus and not in response to at-times hostile political attention and interference.
Target Audience: Physicians (psychiatrists, pediatricians, child neurologists), psychologists, social workers, other mental health clinicians and researchers, and students and trainees.
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Provide realistic assessment of current trends in psychiatric care delivery in the US.
- Assess threats to ability of psychiatrists caring for patients due to regulatory action.
- Discuss potential solutions for the challenges psychiatry faces.