Journal List > J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc > v.54(4) > 1017752

Kim: Task and Preparation of Psychiatric Field for Korean Reunification

Abstract

For improving mental health of the future unified Korea, proper preparation would be necessary in the fields of clinical, social, and cultural psychiatry. Clinically, a diagnostic and treatment system for mental illness should be re-established after Korean unification. There should also be specific preparation for suicides, trauma- or stress-related disorders, somatizations, substance abuse, and childhood psychiatric problems which are expected to rapidly increase in North Korean areas after the unification. In the field of social psychiatry, de-stigmatization and de-institutionalization of those with mental illness would be important after the unification. Education of mental health professionals in North Korean areas would also be crucial. Culturally, it would be necessary to expect the psychological change of both South and North Koreans.

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by grant no 03-2013-0110 from the Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) Research Fund.

Notes

Conflicts of Interest The authors have no financial conflicts of interest.

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