The treatment of psychiatric disorder in the community: Report from the Camberwell Needs for Care Survey

Abstract

Although the estimation of needs for treatment is a prime function of community psychiatric surveys, none has so far measured need directly. The Camberwell Needs for Care Survey is the first such attempt. Needs for treatment were identified in a random population sample from a catchment area in inner South London. Information obtained through SCAN, the Social Role Performance Schedule, the Life Events and Difficulties Schedule and a treatment inventory was assessed by a rating panel in relation to an explicit model of care by using the Needs for Care Assessment- Community Version. Subjects with psychotic disorders received good care and treatment. Subjects with depression often rejected the idea of treatment. Treatment was mainly pharmacological and needs were often unmet, particularly for cognitive or supportive psychotherapy. Subjects with anxiety disorders were less likely to reject treatment but still had a high proportion of needs unmet, as was the case for other disorders.