The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×

Sections

Core Concepts | Adverse Social Determinants of Mental Health | Relevance of Social Determinants to Clinical Psychiatry Across the Life Span | Case Examples of the Relevance of Social Determinants in Clinical Settings | Addressing the Social Determinants of Mental Health | Future Directions | References

Excerpt

For the past 40 years or so, the biopsychosocial model has been an organizing framework for case formulation in clinical psychiatry. The basic sciences and neuroimaging, interventional and effectiveness research, and epidemiology have advanced our understanding of the pathophysiology, treatment, and prevalence and comorbidity of psychiatric disorders; however, societal and environmental factors and their contributions to the development of mental illnesses and substance use disorders continue to warrant research and programmatic attention. Social determinants of mental health are defined as societal, environmental, and economic conditions that influence and affect mental health outcomes at the population level. In considering the current state of psychiatry as well as future directions for the field, the importance of social factors that contribute to mental health should not be underestimated. These factors are primarily responsible for disparities and inequities in mental health services access, treatment quality, and outcomes seen within and between population groups. In this chapter we discuss the importance of social determinants of mental health, present up-to-date evidence on specific social determinants, explain the relevance of these social determinants to clinical psychiatry, and consider action points that could help reduce mental health inequities, prevent mental illnesses and substance use disorders, and promote mental health at the population level.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.
  • Institutional Login
  • Sign in via OpenAthens
  • Register for access
  • Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.

    Not a subscriber?

    Subscribe Now / Learn More

    PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.

    Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).