Psychiatry in Britain: Meaning and Policy

Originally published in 1985, this book focuses on British psychiatric policies, particularly in the 1920s, and 1950s when the main legislation concerning mental illness was passed. It approaches policy primarily as the outcome of the relationship between politicians’ attitudes and those of professional groups in a specific social context. It examines the beliefs and theories of psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists and social workers, as well as the attitudes of government and MPs to mental...