Since they were categorized by behaviors, rather than visible lesions, many societies have placed moral qualifications on mental illnesses. For example, as recently as 50 years ago some respected scholars argued that certain illnesses were caused by excessive masturbation. Current scientific theory says that there are several large groups within this collection. Mental retardation is not included in this classification system. The response rate to treatment is very high, but most people with psychiatric problems receive no treatment from any specialists.
More psychiatric patients receive care from family physicians than probably any other providers.
In modern health care systems, both in the US and elsewhere, the number of patients needing help is so large that triage becomes difficult. To avoid poor quality and excessive cost, initial contact providers must either know how to treat these patients correctly, or how to refer them effectively. In many places this creates a problem for the patients.