Social work and a social model of madness and distress

This article explores the social model in relation to ‘mental health’ policy and practice generally and social work specifically. It highlights the continuing dominance of bio-medical approaches to and interpretations of ‘mental health’; examines the development and nature of mainstream social approaches and considers mental health service users’ own discussions of a social model of madness and distress. The article looks at the ramifications for social work which is based on a social model of madness and distress; what it might look like and what infrastructural supports it is likely to require to develop effectively