Providing psychiatric services in general medical settings in South Africa: Mental health-friendly services in mental health-friendly hoaspitals

Abstract

Neuropsychiatric disorders rank high on the list of the mostdisabling medical disorders in both the developed anddeveloping worlds.1Significant comorbidity also exists betweenneuropsychiatric disorders and general medical disorders;2this iskey in the South African context where HIV/AIDS and substanceuse disorders are highly prevalent.3,4It has therefore becomeessential to provide mental health services in a range of settings,including those that focus on the delivery of general medicalservices. Furthermore, the Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002underlines the importance of providing integrated, accessiblemental health care in the local community.