Abstract
Objective: The aim of this article was to examine the concept of mental health and the policies that have been advanced to improve the wellbeing of the population.
Conclusions: In the last century there have been many changes in the phenomena of psychiatric disorder, the management of those disorders and the outcomes. All of the changes have largely been due to the efforts of those working pragmatically at the coalface. There is little to suggest that the plans and programs advanced in the last half century have achieved more than enhancing the status of those who advance them.
Conclusion: It is difficult to define mental health and equally difficult to develop a comprehensive program that will benefit the whole field.
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