Inequity and Madness: Psychosocial and Human Rights Issues

The two most important notions concerning the rights of people with mental illnesses are among the most neglected: the first is that human rights and duties are complementary and that both must be considered in constructing a framework for mental health care. The second is that we must strive for equity in developing mental health programs.

Inequity and Madness: Psychosocial and Human Rights Issues addresses both these notions. It provides the background and the facts about fulfilment of needs and the protection of human rights of people with mental illnesses. The wealth of information that it provides and the clarity of its presentation make it a document of immediate practical usefulness to all those trying to help people with mental illnesses and those who look after them.

At the same time, however, the sincerity and vigour of its text make it clear that this book is a personal statement of commitment to the achievement of equity for all people, with or without mental illnesses. "I hope that Inequity and Madness will be widely read and share the hope -- which was clearly on Professor Guimon's mind when he undertook to produce this volume -- that this book will contribute to improving the quality of life of those with mental illnesses and those who help them to live through times of devastating diseases and misery that is often an unnecessary consequence." Professor Norman Sartorius - From the Foreword.