Making Psychiatric Epidemiology Useful: the Contribution of Epidemiology to Government Policy

This paper aims to discuss the contribution of epidemiology to aspects of public policy that have either a direct influence on mental health & mental disorders, or an indirect effect by influencing environmental factors which influence mental health. The paper defines epidemiology & mental health policy, sets out the range of government policies which may have an impact on mental health, & explores the ways in which epidemiology may contribute to mental health policy. The epidemiology of suicide is included in this discussion. (84 refs)