Citation

Pritchard C. J. R. Soc. Health 1995; 115(2): 120-127.

Affiliation

Dept Social Work Studies, University of Southampton.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Royal Society for the Promotion of Health)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7738992

Abstract

The psychiatric targets set in 'The Health of the Nation' reflect a fundamental change in auditing the psychiatric and social services, and it is argued that suicide levels have become 'Paradoxical indicators' of effectiveness. Based upon mortality rates between 1974-1990, inter-regional comparative league tables are presented. Changes in age and gender patterns, and the accumulative impact of unemployment 1990-1994, especially in the more affluent regions, suggest that the suicide targets may not be feasible. The implications for the community and psychiatric services are briefly discussed.

Language: en