1166 – What is the place of psychiatry in the current economic crisis?

Abstract

The effects of the current global economic crisis on Mental Health will have maximum impact in the forthcoming years. However, based on the experience of previous financial crises, factors such as unemployment, the reduction of mental health services due to austerity measures imposed by governments among other factors, will most likely lead to increased rates of psychiatric illness and suicide. In this context, there might be an increase in the prevalence of disorders related to alcohol consumption and other substances. Based on a review of literature on this subject, the authors propose a reflection about the possible consequences of the current economic crisis on Mental Health.