A transition period in psychiatric care in Italy ten years after the reform.

Abstract

Ten years after the passing of the Italian psychiatric reform bill, the author assesses the state of the national mental health services. Albeit slowly, the decrease in the number of in-patients in mental hospitals is accompanied by a numerical increase in district and out-patient services. However, the quality of care provided and the regional distribution of services are not acceptable. The reorganisation has benefited hospital and out-patient services, but community care facilities remain inadequate. The mental health of the general population seems to be unaffected by the ongoing transition in psychiatric care.