Mental health concepts in Southeast Asia: diagnostic considerations and treatment implications.
Despite a dramatic growth of Asian communities in North America, the cultural norms, values, and practices of Asians are generally unknown in the professional community, posing a significant challenge in diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems. This article addresses the major mental health concepts prevalent among Southeast Asians and outlines the essential steps that the mainstream clinicians should take in dealing with this minority population. The five areas of cultural formulations outlined in the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) Text Revision (2000) (4th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association) are highlighted and implications for mental health practice and research addressed.
Haque
Amber
A
Department of Psychology, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. amberhaque@yahoo.com
D001210:Asia, Southeastern; D044466:Asian People / Q000523:psychology*; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D054521:Cultural Competency; D003469:Culture; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008603:Mental Health; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012945:Social Values; D014481:United States