Psychiatry in Japan's General Hospitals: A Brief Report

Abstract

Although the Japanese Society of Neuropsychiatry advocated the development of psychiatric departments in general hospitals as long as thirty years ago, progress has been regrettably slow. While public health centers are legally the front-line mental health facilities in Japan, they have not fulfilled their function and perhaps have even impeded development of psychiatric services in general hospitals. In Tokyo City, only three outpatient psychiatry clinics and no inpatient services are available to 10,000,000 inhabitants in eight general city hospitals. The advantages of psychiatric services in general hospitals are apparent; further progress awaits public enlightenment, increased staff, and political and community support.