Citation

Masterton G, Mander AJ. Br. J. Psychiatry 1990; 156: 475-478.

Affiliation

Department of Psychological Medicine, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2386854

Abstract

Reductions in emergency psychiatric presentations to hospital occurred during and after the finals of the World Cup football competitions, an effect evident in women as well as men, and more marked among the mentally ill than those who were not. Increases in the numbers of schizophrenic and neurotic men presenting before, and alcoholic men during, the competitions can be attributed to the football (soccer). The generalised reductions during and after could reflect an indirect effect upon help-seeking, although actual relapse rates of mental illnesses might be affected. These changes could arise from enhancement of national identity and cohesion.

Language: en