Psychiatry in contemporary Greece.

Abstract

Although belief in demons and the evil eye as the cause of mental illness is still prevalent among Greeks of all social strata, a conscientious effort is being made by professionals in that country to change psychiatric institutions from custodial to treatment centers. In comparison with other medical specialties, however, psychiatry is underdeveloped, both professionally and academically. The author emphasizes the need for systematic epidemiological research, which has received only cursory attention.