The task to evaluate in subjective terms the present situation of mental health and psychiatry in Latin America is an ambitious and complex one, especially when we know, from our experience, that mental health policies in the region are not adequate to the culture and needs of the Latin America population. The increasing demands and the presence of new nosologicall entities, not described yet in any diagnostic manual require a different understanding and a better approach. On the other hand, the lack of prevention and promotion programs of mental health, as well as the absence of health services for extreme populations, are also important issues to be considered in the evaluation. In this sense, as the WPA Zonal Representative for Zone 4, which includes Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, I will describe some indicators and proposals in order to better address the reality and the needs of the Zone.
E. Belfort :LATIN AMERICAN PSYCHIATRY : A PERSPECTIVE FROM NORTHERN SOUTH AMERICA
LATIN AMERICAN PSYCHIATRY : A PERSPECTIVE FROM NORTHERN SOUTH AMERICA_ E. Belfort _ WPA Zonal Representative, Zone 4