Explanatory models of mental disorders and treatment practices among traditional healers in Mpumulanga, South Africa
Afr. j. psychiatry rev. (Craighall)
;
13(4): 284-290, 2010. tab
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1257859
RESUMO
Objective:
In many traditional belief systems in Africa; including South Africa; mental health problems may be attributed to the influence of ancestors or to bewitchment. Traditional healers are viewed as having the expertise to address these causes. However; there is limited information on their explanatory models and consequent treatment practices. The present study examines traditional healers' explanatory models (EMs) and treatment practices for psychotic and non-psychotic mental illnesses.Method:
4 focus group discussions (8 healers in each group) and 18 in-depth interviews were conducted. Four vignettes were presented (schizophrenia; depression; panic and somatization) and traditional healers' views on the nature of the problem; cause; consequence; treatment and patient expectations were elicited.Results:
Traditional healers held multiple explanatory models for psychotic and non-psychotic disorders. Psychotic illnesses appear to be the main exemplar of mental illness and were treated with traditional medicine; while nonpsychotic illnesses were not viewed as a mental illness at all. Additionally; traditional healers do not only use herbs and substances solely from ""traditional"" sources but rather have incorporated into their treatment practices modern ingredients that are potentially toxic.Conclusion:
Interventions aimed at increasing the mental health literacy of traditional healers are essential. In addition; investigations of the effectiveness of traditional healer treatment for psychiatric disorders should be conducted
Full text:
Available
Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
South Africa
/
Therapeutics
/
Medicine, African Traditional
/
Mental Disorders
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Qualitative research
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Journal:
Afr. j. psychiatry rev. (Craighall)
Year:
2010
Type:
Article
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