Psychiatric Illness and Living in Flats

¹ R.A.F. Squadron Leader, Specialist in Neuropsychiatry and Medical Officer in Charge of the Child Guidance Centre, Families Clinic, Limassol, B.F.P.O. 53, Cyprus

Flat dwelling did not cause an increase in psychiatric illness, nor did familiarity cause an improvement or increased exposure a deterioration. The incidence of psychiatric illness was the same on different floor levels and in different types of block (whether high, low, with balcony or staircase access). Rank, age, the number of children, the use of the oral contraceptive, nationality and the type of military force were not correlated with psychiatric illness in flat dwellers. The threshold of consultation was the same in flats as in houses but got higher as the distance to the doctor's surgery increased.