Am J Psychiatry 1977; 134:642-645
Copyright © 1977 by American Psychiatric Association
Psychiatry in crisis
JS Eaton Jr and LS Goldstein
Psychiatry today faces sociopolitical, economic, and philosophical
pressures that threaten its existence as a valued medical specialty. Recent
legislation that decreases the numbers of foreign medical graduates
eligible to practice in the United States, increases the numbers of
community mental health centers and types of services they offer, and
limits federal support of psychiatric education will affect the future of
psychiatry as a profession and discipline. Forthcoming legislation and
federal health policies will be related to the ability of the profession to
demonstrate its unique role in the provision of mental health and health
services. The authors offer suggestions for the education of the American
public regarding the important role of psychiatry in America's health and
mental health care system.
