mielenterveysperäiset

Mielenterveysperäiset is a Finnish term used to describe phenomena, cases, or individuals where mental health conditions are considered a contributing factor. It is not a clinical diagnosis. The phrase is common in public discourse, policy documents, and some academic writing, and it points to the influence of mental health on behavior, functioning, or risk, rather than to a specific disorder.

In practice, the term appears in social services, healthcare planning, and the criminal justice system. It can be used when evaluating risk, planning treatment or support, or creating preventive measures. In legal contexts, evaluations by mental health professionals may inform considerations of capacity, culpability, or the need for treatment, with clinicians typically using more specific diagnoses such as various psychiatric disorders. Thus, mielenterveysperäiset functions more as a label that signals an underlying mental health factor rather than a precise medical category.

The term carries implications for stigma and public perception. Critics warn that labeling can reinforce stereotypes about people with mental illness, while supporters emphasize its usefulness for policy-making, resource allocation, and integrated care. Language in Finnish health and social services seeks to balance clarity with respect for individuals’ dignity, avoiding harm while enabling appropriate planning and support.

See also: mental health in Finland, forensic psychiatry, stigma in mental health, disability and health, criminal policy.