Question

Which of the following factors contribute to the movement of patients out of large state institutions and into community-based mental health treatment?

A) Increased stigma
B) Advances in medication
C) Lack of funding
D) Limited community resources

Answer 1

The principal factors contributing to the shift toward community-based mental health treatment are advancements in medication and deinstitutionalization policies stemming from social change movements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The movement of patients out of large state institutions and into community-based mental health treatment has been influenced by several factors, but among the options provided, the most significant contributions are advances in medication and deinstitutionalization policies. Increased understanding and development of psychiatric medications have allowed individuals with mental health issues to live more stable lives within their communities rather than in large state institutions. Furthermore, deinstitutionalization, a social policy largely enacted from the optimism following social change movements and a move toward personal rights and community treatment evident from the 1960s, favored developing community resources rather than institutionalizing patients. Despite the positive move toward community-based treatment, challenges such as stigma and limited resources persist, affecting the quality of care and accessibility for many individuals.