Mental diseases: a public health problem

"Mental Diseases: A Public Health Problem" by James V. May is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work addresses the urgent societal and economic implications of mental disorders, emphasizing the significance of understanding mental health as a crucial public health issue. It serves as a comprehensive analysis that compiles critical information about various mental diseases, their prevalence, and their impact on individuals and society at large. The opening of the text presents a preface by Thomas W. Salmon, which outlines the growing interest in mental disorders beyond the medical community, attracting professionals from different fields such as social work and law. Salmon notes the pervasive ignorance surrounding mental health issues and advocates for systematic studies to enhance public understanding of such conditions. The author, Dr. May, indicates that the book is an appeal for comprehensive investigation into mental illnesses, as historical data regarding their incidence remains insufficient, and emphasizes the need for better statistical methods to reflect the realities of mental health in society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

James Vance May (1873–1947) was an American psychiatrist and an early proponent for statistical studies and classification of mental diseases. He was among the first to recognize mental disease as a public health problem, a view that did not gain recognition and acceptance for many years.