[Dear young psychiatrists: proposal of a new way of working (NWW) for Japanese psychiatrists through integration of academia and the community]

Abstract

Not only physical but also mental health is the wish of every individual, and this is a fundamental human right as a citizen. Rather than the pursuit of economic wealth, the future goal of society should consist of improving each individual's mental "capital" in the different stages of life, which will ultimately lead to an increase in the level of mental wealth in society as a whole. The disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of psychiatric disorders have outweighed diseases such as cancers and cardiovascular disorders, and the early detection and prevention of psychiatric disorders has become a top-priority issue. We, psychiatrists, are thus professionals markedly responsible for public wealth. Psychiatric disorders and a person with a disorder should be understood from pluralistic perspectives; universality as a brain disorder and, on the other hand, individuality as a person who lives a personal life in pursuit of personal values. Here, I redefine psychiatry as medical science of the brain, mind, and social life, where a balanced model between medical treatment in academia and social support in the community may constitute a new way of working (NWW) for psychiatrists. It is time to launch NWW for young psychiatrists to make a true difference for individuals with psychiatric disorders. To do so, they need to achieve a deeper understanding of developmental processes of establishing self and values, and the significance of living in the community and employment for human beings.