A new study conducted by the Danish Psychological Association reveals concerning new trends in psychiatry. More than half of the surveyed psychologists in psychiatry report that they regularly have to turn away patients seeking psychological treatment. The study shows that 53 percent of psychiatry psychologists “often” or “always” reject patients, even when psychological treatment would be relevant to their care. This is primarily due to a lack of resources, a situation that concerns Dea Seidenfaden, chairperson of the Danish Psychological Association.
“Psychological treatment is a crucial part of the care that patients and their families should receive in psychiatry,” Seidenfaden stated. “It helps ensure the best possible chances for patients to recover and lead meaningful lives with as few symptoms as possible.” Seidenfaden emphasizes the need for political action to ensure a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to psychiatric treatment.
She describes the situation as “very alarming” and demands steps be taken to improve conditions. Additionally, the study shows that 66 percent of psychologists have experienced in the past month that due to lack of resources, they have been unable to offer psychological treatments, interdisciplinary care, and psychoeducation. Psychoeducation includes teaching that helps patients live as well as possible with a psychiatric disorder.