Social Psychiatry in Russia

Abstract Social issues of psychiatry historically have been an important part of the Russian psychiatry, although the subject of “social psychiatry” still remains debatable. Acknowledgment of the importance of social factors in mental disorders determined the development of mental-health care in Russia since the end of 19th century and later in the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation. Creation of the community mental health clinics network, labor rehabilitation, and development of mental care legislation are important steps in the field of social psychiatry in Russia. In recent years the de-institutionalization of psychiatry and the development of the various types of day-care facilities can be regarded as part of the social psychiatry. Another remarkable tendency is the creation of interdisciplinary scientific and clinical collaborations in the field of mental health. This can help to stress the attention of society, policymakers, and academia on the importance of mental health problems, to reduce stigma, and to increase the awareness of mental health issues in society.