Inequality can lead to poor mental health and depression, report says
BMJ 2009; 338 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.b1104 (Published 17 March 2009) Cite this as: BMJ 2009;338:b1104- Lynn Eaton
- 1London
GP surgeries could play a vital role in reducing the health effects of the divide between rich and poor, particularly in the current recession, says the author of a World Health Organization endorsed report.
The comments stem from a report by the Mental Health Foundation, which shows that the divide between rich and poor can have a detrimental effect on people’s mental health.
Its author, Dr Lynne Friedli, a mental health promotion specialist, argues that as well as dealing with physical illness, GP surgeries need to tackle psychological problems also.
Her report claims that inequality triggers the “fight or flight” response in humans. Living with inequality can raise …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £173 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£38 / $45 / €42 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.