Methodological lessons from the Italian psychiatric experience.

One of the main reasons why the Italian experience has been the object of much controversial attention in the international literature over the last decade lies in the ambiguity of the terms of reference used. Methodologically, it is of critical importance to re-establish the permanent dialectical relationship between the reality of the Italian experience, the prescription of the Law, and the administration of the reform. In this context, the evaluative variables are less the 'process' indicators of implementation of the reform, and more the qualitative 'outcome' assessment of the fate of the policy. The following concepts are discussed in detail, both in relation to Italy and to the broader status of psychiatry: de-Institutionalisation and de-hospitalisation; psychiatric hospital; rehabilitation-Home; Service-Services-Intervention; User; primary health care; evaluative research.