Synopsis

This book focuses on principles and clinical perspectives of social psychiatry. The social psychiatric aspects of various disorders find due space, and so do the various issues related to social psychiatry. It is enthralling to notice that several issues which are particularly relevant to the Indian cultural context (like rural mental health and farmer suicides) are covered. This book is divided into 6 sections, which are further divided into 50 chapters. Section 1 gives a brief introduction to the discipline of social psychiatry going into its historical development across the world and in India. Section 2 includes conceptual issues on the relationship between mental health and society. It begins with a chapter on the concept of social psychiatry. It then highlights the family and social context in relation to the mental health of the individual. Section 3 covers the social dimensions of psychiatric disorders. Section 4 expands upon the social interventions that are relevant to the field of social psychiatry. Social support and networking are presented first which highlights the dynamic social networks of the present times. Thereafter, couple therapies, family therapies, and group therapies are discussed. Section 5, dwells upon the social issues and mental health. The last section discusses the contemporaneous issues in relation to social psychiatry like relationship issues, effect of COVID-19, behavioral addictions, and loneliness. Social psychiatry has a wide range and multiple interfaces. This book provides information and perspective to the readers and contributes to the cause of advancement of social psychiatry.