二十一世紀初之台灣精神醫學議題

Addressing Issues of Taiwan Psychiatry in the Early 21st Century

Taiwan psychiatry has developed rapidly since the 20th century. Previously, it had mainly been focused on treatments for hospitalized mental patients, who received medications, social interaction, psychotherapy, and rehabilitation treatment. Available community services, only included traditional outpatient clinics, home visit treatment, half-way houses, and sheltered workplaces. When the 1990 Mental Health Act was implemented, the training curriculum and examination system for psychiatric specialists were also reassessed . The result of the reassessment led to the development of modern community psychiatry. Additionally, the treatment processes for various mental illnesses and psychological impairment were also introduced. Since the beginning of the 21st century, many psychiatrists have started their own clinics in the community. Likewise, in the past 10 years Taiwan psychiatry has also entered another stage, with more achievements and progress, particularly in the areas of mental health promotion and improvements at the administration level.