Problem oriented political science in mental health

Abstract

In delineating the role of political science in mental health, we begin with the source of pressures for governmental intervention or activity. Pressures may come from individuals of some political influence or from formal and informal groups. These groups may begin to appear themselves, or be represented at governmental administrative offices or in legislative halls. Some constituencies made up of individuals considered stigmatized or antisocial, such as the mentally ill or the poverty stricken, have more difficulty in becoming organized. They have to wait for an enlightened few to organize them. Their cause suffers from a considerable political lag.