Severe mental illness across cultures.
OBJECTIVE
International studies have shown that the outcome of illnesses like schizophrenia vary across cultures. The good outcome in developing countries depends upon a number of factors.


METHODS
Using both primary and secondary sources, existing literature was reviewed. Using terms severe mental illness, culture and schizophrenia, Medline, Psychinfo and Embase were searched. Further searches were conducted using secondary searches.


RESULTS
The impact of culture and its components on the individual and their families influences compliance, engagement with services and expectations of treatment. Cultures also impact upon identity and explanatory models of individuals.


CONCLUSIONS
Severe mental illness is as likely to be affected by culture as other illnesses. Clinicians need to use multi-model assessment and management techniques.
Bhugra
D
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HSRD, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London, UK. d.bhugra@iop.kcl.ac.uk
D015984:Causality; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012933:Social Identification; D012945:Social Values / Q000208:ethnology