[Research in psychiatric clinics and departments]

The purpose of this article is to stimulate a discussion on the present-day contribution made by research in non-university psychiatric hospitals and its possible achievements if these hospitals were better equipped with funds. The senior physicians of such hospitals and of the Departments of Psychiatry of General Hospitals were asked in writing to find out present research activities. The following topics represented focal points of research: Evaluation of psychiatric care structures, Therapy, Psychiatry and legislation, Personnel, Family members, self-help, non-professionals. The article goes into detail in selected cases in respect of research foci and methods. Pointers are given to problems requiring further research with regard to psychiatric care structures.