Health promotion--a new approach in psychiatry

Abstract

Since its beginnings, the ideology of psychiatry has been determined by the paradigm of a disease model. Practically all psychiatric schools are characterized by their orientation towards a morbid, atypical behaviour. This, however, inevitably narrows the view of the soul of a person. Despite mental illness, resources are always present, these though are not recognized and not utilized. The theory of salutogenesis with its search for health preserving factors has significantly expanded insight on dynamic mental processes. The resulting concept of health promotion attempts to develop patient's self-healing powers by identifying healthy parts and supporting them by instructing patients in active participation. From a health promotion viewpoint, it is necessary to intervene at three levels: 1. At the patient level in the form of guidance and help to actively participate in the healing process. 2. At the staff level in the form of creating healthy work conditions and the promotion of active participation in the creation of this work environment. 3. At the level of psychiatric institutions in the form of promoting efficient communications structures within and between the various services. This paper describes the concept of health promotion in psychiatric services and its possible influence on the reshaping of theory and practice in psychiatry--necessary in the face of current challenges.