The reform of the Greek mental health services

Abstract

Background: The Greek Psychiatric reforms began in the early 1980s with the introduction of the National Health System and the financial support of the then European Community.Aims: To describe the ongoing process of psychiatric reforms and the current situation of mental health services in Greece.Method: Official reports and relevant publications were used as information sources.Results: The de-institutionalization of patients from psychiatric hospitals has almost been achieved. Psychiatric hospital beds have been reduced, psychiatric units in general hospitals have been developed, a substantial number of community mental health services has been established and the standards of care have been improved. New legislation has been introduced and the stigma attached to mental illness is gradually reduced. However, psychiatric units in general hospitals and Community Mental Health Centres have not yet fulfilled their role as principal providers of psychiatric care, while decentralization, sectorization and completion of the network of mental health services are still to be completed.Conclusions: Although the process of the Greek Psychiatric reforms has been slow and laborious, the progress achieved is undeniable. The identification of problems and gaps together with a stronger collaboration and common efforts with the other European countries will ensure the firmer establishment of the reforms in Greece.