Psychiatry in the new millennium

Abstract

Of all the medical specialities, psychiatry seems the most resistant to change in the face of rapidly evolving technology. Yet psychiatry could become the speciality most revolutionised by advanced technology in the new millennium. If the following predictions for psychiatry in the next 1000 years appear difficult to believe, imagine what might have been the reaction of those living in 999 to being told what would happen by 1999. Back then the profession of medicine as we understand it did not even exist, neither did there appear to be any institutions devoted to the care of the mentally ill. Indeed, in 1000 years' time from now, we might yet return to a similar situation in both these respects!