Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Psychiatric reform and the challenges posed by deinstitutionalization

The objective of this study is to discuss the one of the many challenges of the brazilian psychiatric reform process that seeks to construct an integrated mental health network for deinstitutionalized care, to take care of patients in community-based or family-based environments. It discusses certain aspects identified as "asylum desires" that influence the institutions and day-to-day practices and concepts related to mental health. We propose to examine some of these aspects of the Counseling and Psychological Services Center ("CAPS"), the institution that seeks to replace the institutional form of care, through observation of daily activities and photographic records. We hereby reiterate that the major challenge of the psychiatric reform does not lie solely on its slow-paced implementation, but also the direction it has taken. This reform requires an entire break-away and independent thought from the prior model, instead of a mere shift in attitude that continues conformance with what is apparently new and mechanisms that have maintained long-lasting dominance.

mental health; mental health services; mental health assistance; health care reform


UNESP Distrito de Rubião Jr, s/nº, 18618-000 Campus da UNESP- Botucatu - SP - Brasil, Caixa Postal 592, Tel.: (55 14) 3880-1927 - Botucatu - SP - Brazil
E-mail: intface@fmb.unesp.br