The ascertainment of psychiatric cases in a developing country

This artricle suggests procedures for locating these individuals in a developing country who have mental health problems. It assumes minimum facilities, e.g. that there is no mental hospital and no qualified psychiatrist and is based on experience in Tonga. The register of those involuntarily admitted to an institution looking after the mentally sick is invaluable for a variety of reasons and will well repay detailed study. Voluntary health and Welfare organisations may also supply valuable data. Home visiting often achieves much more than prearranged hospital or clinic appointments which are often not kept. A study of neglected cases may indicate the need to educate a community to recognize the value of medical treatment for the mentally sick.