Mental Health in France versus the United States

     France and the United States have different approaches when it comes to child mental health. In the United States, child rearing is very individualized and focused on the child. But, in France is more collective, looking at children as a whole. Despite those differences, both societies value independence and personal choices within families (Delamare, p. 7).

     Along with having different ways to view child mental health, France and the United States both diagnose differently. In France, psychiatrists are very careful and willing to give diagnosis’ early in life for children and adolescence, specifically with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Contrary to France, in the United States, mental health professionals use the DSM IV to diagnose and treat patients. In both countries, there is a push for communication and treatment instead of punitive measures for mental health (Delamare, p. 7).

     In both the United States and France, Medication is used to treat mental health issues, and all require a prescription. Prices of these medications in the United States are the highest of all medications worldwide. Although medications are used in France, they are not prescribed and used as much as in the United States. In France, Medication is used as a secondary intervention and in critical situations (Delamare, p. 8).

     Some professionals may argue that France has a better way to diagnose and treat mental health issues. They use the CFTMEA, which is similar to the DSM IV that is used in the United States. A big difference between them is the process in which they are used to diagnose and treat. Arguably, the CFTMEA, used in France, concentrates better on identifying and addressing underlying issues, where as the DSM IV, used in the United States, tends to silence issues (O’Hanlan, pg. 3).

     In my opinion, neither approach is better than the other. Mental Health is a huge issue nationwide that needs to be addressed, and it is in both countries. The approaches are very different, but the issue at hand is being addressed.