The market for psychiatric clinics - Italy

1.1 Definition and scope of study

Patients suffering from mental problems such as eating disorders, pathological addictions, personality disorders, borderline, mood, psychosis, and dual diagnosis are treated in Psychiatric Clinics. The facilities are mostly private and vary in size and kind depending on the number and type of patients, such as those with short-term difficulties or those with longer-term requirements. Psychiatric hospitalization is a variable duration of inpatient care with the goal of improving personal awareness via discussions with physicians and experts, which is frequently accompanied by a medication course.

Even though a single European plan for mental health has been designed, in line with the program set out in the WHO Global Plan of Action for Mental Health, the European market shows very unequal situations between the different countries in terms of the number of beds per capita, but also in the approach and methods of treating patients. 

The global market for Psychiatric Clinics, which was predicted to be worth USD 27,1 billion in 2020, is expected to expand to USD 36,1 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 4.2% between 2020 and 2027. 

 In 1904, psychiatric institutions in Italy, which had existed since the 15th century, were regulated for the first time. They were known as asylums. Patients suffering from mental illnesses were admitted to the Italian provincial asylums, which were distributed over the boot, as were others who were a danger to society, a risk, or a mere embarrassment. After many protest movements and conflicts, the asylums, far from hospital-like conditions, were restricted from 1968 onwards. Several specialized institutions replaced the 76 asylums that were operational at the time, all specialized. Looking at the data regarding mental health interventions, in Italy in 2018 there were 11,039,492 interventions, of which 76.3% in psychiatric facilities. In Italy, the supply for beds in ordinary inpatient care, is 9.7 per 100,000 adult inhabitants. Numbers that suggest a potential margin of growth in the sector in terms of increasing the number of beds and facilities required.

Covid-19 had a significant influence on people's mental health, both for individuals who already had mental health issues and for new patients. Many individuals have turned to technology for assistance, ranging from basic iOS/Android applications to virtual/augmented reality via artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. The introduction of robots to prevent genetic psychiatric disorders and develop tailored therapies without adverse effects is considered the future in psychiatric clinics.