Introduction

This revised and updated book is designed as an introduction to mental health policy and practice in the United Kingdom (UK) for students as well as for qualified practitioners, their managers and policy makers. That a third edition is needed so rapidly reflects the rate of change in mental health policy and practice across the four countries of the UK, with an increased degree of diversity as devolved administrations have had the opportunity to set their own policy directions. Our focus is on policy and practice relating to a range of mental health difficulties — including both more common difficulties (such as anxiety or depression) and those that may be seen as more serious and disabling (such as to psychosis) — but generally excluding neuro-degenerative conditions such as dementia which have tended to be dealt with somewhat separately in terms of policy and service provision. We will also consider the emphasis on the promotion of mental health and mental well-being that has become more prominent in mental health policy over recent years.