This paper examines the concept of human rights in the area of mental health. It does this in four steps. Firstly it provides a brief examination of the shift from institutionalisation to community care and the violation of human rights that occurred in the process. Secondly, it defines the concept of human rights in the field of mental health. Thirdly it provides a discussion of the hegemonic medical approach to mental health and the undermining of human rights that followed. Finally, the essay offers a brief focus on the role of the socio-political context in the understanding and distribution of human rights.
Mental Health and Human Rights_ In Search of Context, Consequence and Effective Care
Brandon Hamber
Brandon Hamber is a former CSVR Programme Manager. He holds a PhD Psychology from The University of Ulster and BA (Hons) MA (Clin. Psych) Ph.D. Clinical Psychology from The University of the Witwatersrand.
Brian Rock
Brian is a psychoanalyst and a member of the British Psychoanalytical Society. He has an MBA from Henley Business School. Brian has published and presented widely on various topics related to mental health, Medically Unexplained Symptoms, and service development and service evaluation in primary care.
