title: Arranged matches and mental illness: therapists' dilemmas.
abstract: Traditional societies place especial value on marriage and having children, and marriages are often arranged. A series of situations and dilemmas associated with arranged matches and their consequences are described in the course of mental health work with ultra-orthodox Jewish people with severe mental illness. Issues of confidentiality may arise with parents and matchmakers; on the other hand, respectful cooperation with religious authorities, counselors in the community, and family members is important. Information on genetic counseling, contraception, medication during pregnancy, and breastfeeding are considered and interact with communal structures and practices. There is a need for close support and evaluation during the process of marriage, childbearing, and parenthood.
authors.affiliation: North Jerusalem Community Mental Health Center, Herzog Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel. israeljp@huji.ac.il
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Greenberg
authors.forename: Jacob Tuvia
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Buchbinder
authors.forename: Eliezer
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Witztum
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002648:Child; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000941:ethics*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005190:Family / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D005817:Genetic Counseling / Q000941:ethics; D006801:Humans; D007585:Jews / Q000523:psychology*; D007599:Judaism; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000208:ethnology*; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D057545:Social Stigma; D014342:Truth Disclosure / Q000941:ethics; D055815:Young Adult