Diagnostic Issues In Cross-cultural Settings

Diagnostic Issues in Crosscultural Settings Sherona Rawat Phd Community Psychology Prof. S. Ngcobo

Introduction • Culture- system of information that codes the manner in which the people of an organised group, society or nation interact with their social and physical environment (Reber, 1988). • Cross cultural method- experimental method. • Personality and culture.

Diagnosis • Westermeyer (1987)- special knowledge. • Research-. – Some diagnosis charcteristic of all cultures. – Some diagnosis culture specific. – Very difficult to compare incidence cross culturally.

Culture • • • •

Studies on substance abuse. Culturally universal syndromes. Culture specific syndromes. Cultural manifestation of syndromes. – Depression. – Dementia.

DSM-IV-TR • Culture-bound syndromes. – Cultural formulation. – Glossary.

Cultural Diversity in Clinical Setting. • The cultural identity of the individual. • The cultural explanation of the individual’s illness. • Cultural factors related to psychosocial environment and level’s of functioning. • Cultural elements of the relationship between the individual and the clinician. • Overall cultural assessment for diagnosis and care.

Conclusion. • Understanding of the terms: – – – – – – –

Culture, Sub-culture, Individual’s personal relationships, Capacity for social interaction, Professional parameters and responsibilities, Cultural identity, And an objective and non-biased attitude.

• Personal behaviour, intentions and attidtude.