Editorial Preventive Psychiatry in Industry The possibilities of preventing mental illness?and of mainmental health?have been discussed a great deal since the end of the last war. Psychiatry in the British and American forces no doubt learned valuable lessons under the pressure of military needs and turned from the direct study and treatment of the sick Much work was done on the structo the study of mental health. ture of morale and on the science of selection?putting the right men in the right jobs. This work naturally raised some antagonism?like other psychiatric researches?and it was perhaps not surprising that after the war there was a return in the Services to previous arrangements, There were in any case and less use was made of psychiatrists. fewer in the Services to be used, for the majority had returned to clinical work which was most urgent in its call both for treatment and for research; and there were of course more suitable appointments under the National Health Service than there were in preventive psychiatry. There were however exceptions to this and the Tavistock Research into Institute of Human Affairs was a notable one. mental behaviour was undertaken and in particular into mental behaviour in industry where several team projects were set on foot.

taining

One of these, at the Glacier Metal Company, is described in detail by Dr. Jaques, whose recent book is reviewed on another page. It is a remarkable illustration of what can be achieved by patience and skill in the handling of antagonistic groups of individuals and also of what needs to be achieved even in a progressive and financially successful firm of high morale. The book stresses that the work must be within the limits of the professional relationship?that is that the therapeutic role of the team and its impartiality should always be kept in mind. But it does not deal directly with individual therapy and, except in so far as they are related to the behaviour of groups, individual psychiatric problems are not tackled; but it is obvious on reflection that some have been solved through changes in the attitude of the group surrounding them. Alternatively it may be held that the best approach of a psychiatrist to a firm is through treatment of the individual. This is more what is expected of him as a doctor, and will establish his place in the firm, after which perhaps his use in other ways will be allowed. Which method of approach is used depends no doubt on the character of the psychiatrist as well as on the character of the situation. Certain firms are now welcoming regular access to a

to both sides is evident?the psychiatrist understanding of the background of the work ?the firm's employees seen on the premises gain in time and are not awed by a hospital environment. It is interesting that these developments are being paralleled in Sweden. An article by Dr. E. Mindus, which we hope to publish in our next issue, shows how closely his work resembles this, although neither side had any great knowledge of the other. In the United States, the Committee on Psychiatry in Industry (of the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry) has just pre-

psychiatrist

gains

a

and the value

much clearer

sented its report. To those familiar with committees, one of the most striking features will be the paucity of writing on the subject? a mere 48 books and 63 articles being referred to, which for a subject of such vast potentialities is very small. The report summarises work done and recommends that the psychiatrist must function within the community, must interpret mental health to the industry, must understand the industrial background and must be prepared to instruct general practitioners about its effects on the individual's attitude.

Obviously the whole subject is still in its infancy. Readers of this Journal whose work lies in any industry, may have their contributions to make if it is to grow into a healthy child.

Preventive Psychiatry in Industry.

Preventive Psychiatry in Industry. - PDF Download Free
1019KB Sizes 1 Downloads 11 Views