Inequalities in mental health

Abstract
The Government emphasis on tackling health inequalities and the availability of recent data on mental health inequalities from the Office of Population Censuses and Survey's (OPCS) National Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (NPMS) (Meitzer et al, 1995) suggest that it is time to review the evidence on inequalities in mental health. We aim to summarise the relevant research on rates of psychiatric morbidity within the general population, and define specific populations at high risk of mental disorder. The theories put forward to account for these inequalities are considered, noting the limitations of the data they are based on and highlighting their implications for the data required to facilitate further research. Inequalities in access, provision and appropriateness of services are also discussed. We make policy recommendations for reducing these inequalities at national, regional and district levels.

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