Mental Health and Poverty

Draws together evidence that poverty causes serious mental illness and gives recommendations as to what can be done about this.

Rob Poole (Author), Robert Higgo (Author), Catherine A. Robinson (Author)

9780521143967, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 19 December 2013

192 pages
23.4 x 15.6 x 1.3 cm, 0.45 kg

There is strong scientific evidence that poverty is a cause of mental illness. This book brings together a body of knowledge from biomedical and social science literature that is of importance to both academics and practitioners. It explores a broad range of issues, including stigma, the recovery model and substance misuse. The role of childhood adversity is examined, together with other potential causal mechanisms. The content is accessible and engaging, with numerous references pointing readers to the best resources for further information. Poverty is not inevitable, even in a difficult economic climate. The time is ripe for a scientific consensus to inform realistic, hopeful and optimistic campaigns to reduce inequality in the interests of public health and well being. This book provides an evidence-based resource for mental health professionals, social scientists and their students. It will be of interest far beyond those professionally involved in mental health services and research.

Preface
1. Severe mental illness and social factors
2. Poverty
3. Constellations of disadvantage
4. Depression and anxiety
5. Genetics
6. Substance misuse
7. Mechanisms
8. Stigma
9. Recovery
10. Working with poverty
11. Afterword
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Psychiatry [MMH], Mental health services [MBPK], Epidemiology & medical statistics [MBNS], Personal & public health [MBNH], Medicine [M], Disability: social aspects [JFFG]