POVERTY AND MENTAL-ILLNESS

Objective: To assess the relationship between poverty and mental illne ss in order to simulate debate on future international cooperation pro grams in mental health. Method: Epidemiological data in the internatio nal literature addressing the issue of material poverty as a risk fact or for the development of mental illness and as a prognostic factor fo r the outcome of mental illness were reviewed. Results: The internatio nal literature reviewed supports the notion that material poverty is a risk factor for a negative outcome among mentally ill people. In addi tion, preliminary epidemiological data suggest that service-related va riables may be determinants of outcome of mental illnesses. In our vie w, cooperation with developing countries is a great opportunity to eva luate mental health services in a natural setting. Conclusions: A new generation of programs for international cooperation in mental health is needed, in which knowledge and technology transfer is based on a se rvice-research attitude. Attention should be focused on variables rela ted to the poverty of services that might be linked to the course and outcome of mental illnesses.