Books, Articles and Research
Developing the philosophy of recovery in South African mental health services
The growth in power and importance of the recovery movement around the world has had an increasing effect on how mental health care is viewed and implemented. This article explores positive outcomes associated with new understandings of recovery and the recovery movement and ways in which a recovery framework can be incorporated into mental health services in South Africa.
Sustainable development helps us to flourish
This article examines the connection between sustainable environmental practices and positive mental health, suggesting that efforts to improve conditions for our planet have the potential to also improve mental health throughout society. The author explores ways the natural environment is connected to psychological wellness, emphasizing ways it serves one's needs, not only for food and water, but also for one's spiritual and emotional wellness. In the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand's recognition of these described connections, some common goals for their work with organizations are listed: integrating social, cultural, economic, and environmental goals; regenerating natural and social capital; affirming the value of local communities; valuing nature intrinsically; and promoting non-material sources of happiness.
Victorious Black Women brings hope, provides hope to women of color
This Peers Envisioning and Engaging in Recovery Services (P.E.E.R.S.) article describes the efforts of an Oakland, CA-based organization: Victorious Black Women. Victorious Black Women operates on the premise that the road to healing for black women is linked to the sharing of stories with one another. This article discusses Victorious Black Women's overall approach to healing and recovery for women of color and the personal experiences of their Co-Founder, Renee Harris, who describes how someone reaching out to her meant a huge step in her own recovery journey. In recognizing the influence of culture on self-expression and ways of coping with stress, this organization also works to educate the community about culturally competent mental health services to help women of color.
Native American tribal communities provide hope for overcoming historical trauma
This Peers Envisioning and Engaging in Recovery Services (P.E.E.R.S.) article discusses the historical trauma experienced by many Native American tribal communities and the hope for overcoming it. Suicide, infant mortality, and unemployment rates of Native American tribal communities are among the highest in the country. The historical trauma intervention model described in this article takes an approach to healing that includes four main components: confronting the trauma, understanding the trauma, releasing the pain, and transcending the trauma.
WHO European review of social determinants of health and the health divide
This article discusses the disparities in health that still exist between and within countries in the European region. Specifically, the article examines a review of inequities in health between and within countries across the WHO European region. The authors explore ongoing research that has contributed to an understanding of social causes of these inequities, and they go on to describe policies that will help in reducing the current health divide.
Mental-health advocate is also a symbol of recovery
Newly elected Board President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Keris Myrick, shares her story of recovery and continued efforts to educate others on recovery and discrimination issues as they relate to mental disorders. In this article she describes a negative experience of being locked in an emergency room psychiatric area while awaiting services, how many individuals of color receive mental health services that oftentimes involve a police car and handcuffs, and ways she has learned to cope with her symptoms while also striving to make a difference for others.
Adaptation guidelines for serving Latino children and families affected by trauma
The adaptation guidelines discussed in this publication highlight key factors that should be addressed when adapting mental health practices to be used in working with Latino/Hispanic individuals impacted by trauma. Focus groups composed of experts in various fields including child trauma research, clinical practice, and cultural diversity discussed a number of important areas to consider while supporting Latino/Hispanic children and families. Some of the key areas identified are cultural values, immigration, child welfare, communication and linguistic competence, and diversity among Latinos.
Pathways to integrated health care: Strategies for African American communities and organizations; Consensus statements and recommendations
In a roundtable discussion hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, dozens of health professionals including psychologists, counselors, primary care doctors, and individuals from advocacy organizations discussed efforts to address health disparities that impact African Americans. These professionals explored the history of these health inequalities, some successful integrated care models, and recommendations for countering these disparities. This report summarizes the group's findings and goes on to emphasize the need for culturally designed prevention methods to holistically address the wellness and mental health of African Americans.
Integrated care for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities: A blueprint for action; Consensus statements and recommendations
This report covers a meeting in August 2011 of 40 stakeholders committed to enhancing the lives of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. The stakeholders met to discuss how to create a national agenda to review benefits of integrated care for AANHPIs. The group included providers, consumers, policy makers, and healthcare administrators in primary health care, integrated care, mental health, substance use, and disabilities. The Blueprint for Action discusses the need for integrated care to have a holistic, public health approach that works across the life span, as well as the need to have research and data that include AANHPIs. The blueprint includes recommendations to inform both governmental and non-governmental partners of culturally and linguistically responsive approaches and models of care.
Darryl Strawberry opens up: Baseball legend discusses overcoming depression
In this article Darryl Strawberry shares some of his life experiences as a professional baseball player, what it was like growing up in a home with an abusive father, and how he dealt with his depression and substance use as an African-American man. Strawberry discusses the common misconceptions regarding mental and substance use disorders in the African-American community and makes the point that depression does not discriminate. Through his memoir Straw: Finding My Way, he hopes to inspire all people experiencing mental health challenges to get help.
A questionnaire survey on attitudes and understanding towards mental disorders
This study sought to gather information about attitudes and general understanding of mental disorders among people in Hong Kong, China. Questionnaires were used to collect data from over 1,000 participants who represented different age groups and socioeconomic statuses. Survey data showed increased knowledge and acceptance among survey participants who had regular contact with people with mental health conditions. The study concluded that people developing and implementing mental health awareness programs should incorporate strategies to increase social contact between individuals with mental disorders and those without these disorders in the general public.
America's plague of incarceration: A plague of prisons; the epidemiology of mass incarceration in America
This review of Ernest Drucker's book A Plague of Prisons: The Epidemiology of Mass Incarceration in America discusses the theme of Drucker's book, which is the significant individual and societal damage that has resulted from treating drug use as a criminal problem rather than as a public health crisis. The review also covers Drucker's recommendations for remedying this situation. Drucker discusses the need for prevention strategies including drug treatment, education, and job training; and concrete community supports to allow for reintegration upon release from prison. He also notes the need for drug law reforms and addressing of targeting of minorities and impoverished communities by law enforcement.
Let's get real: Real Skills for people working in mental health and addiction
Let's get real: Real Skills for people working in mental health and addiction is an implementation plan that works to ensure that mental health and addiction services are based on essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes that support recovery, are person-centered, and are culturally competent. Visitors to the Ministry of Health of New Zealand's Web site can download at no cost the full Let's get real implementation plan, which discusses the Let's get real framework, planned steps, and the roles of providers and organizations.
Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: conceptual issues and research evidence.
This article examines research evidence that shows lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals (LGB) having higher rates of mental disorders than heterosexuals. In seeking to understand this disparity, the author has developed and presents a framework to examine the factors contributing to this increased prevalence. He suggests that minority stress, which includes prejudice and discrimination experienced or anticipated by LGBs as well as a number of other factors, makes for a hostile and stressful environment that leads to the development of mental disorders.
Gender differences in mental health
In an effort to identify effective approaches to treating and preventing mental disorders, this paper examines gender differences in various mental disorders including eating disorders, schizophrenia, and depression.
"Mental health is everybody's business": Roles for an intersectoral approach in South Africa
This study, which involved surveys, structured interviews, and focus groups, evaluates South Africa's progress in engaging multiple sectors of society in addressing the social determinants of mental health. This study also provides recommendations for this type of collaboration to help guide other countries in these types of efforts. Study findings included the need to develop programs and make legislative changes, the importance of raising awareness in various sectors to build engagement across these sectors, and the need for an overall structured approach to action to promote and support mental health.
Improving the physical health of people with serious mental illness: A systematic review of lifestyle interventions
This literature review explores the quality of research in the U.S. on the topic of unmet health needs of people with mental disorders and lifestyle interventions that could improve overall health and reduce premature morbidity. Through the review, researchers were also able to summarize intervention strategies, explore various health outcomes, and assess the role that race, ethnicity, and culture played in these interventions.
Homelessness, poverty and social exclusion in the United States and Europe
This paper examines high rates of homelessness across different nations in the context of various forms of social exclusion: income, wealth, housing, and incarceration. The author goes on to explain the impact that discrimination and societal choices have on homelessness across societies and identifies racial minorities and individuals with mental disorders as having the highest rates of homelessness everywhere.
Recovery model: A Christian appraisal
This article examines recovery from the perspective of a Christian worldview, in the context of Christian theology and psychology. The author discusses how others' negative attitudes and harmful beliefs regarding people with mental disorders can be a barrier to recovery, the concept of empowerment as being fundamental to Christian theology, and the role that key Christian concepts such as sin, grace, and redemption play in recovery from a Christian perspective. The article examines this issue including implications for individuals, communities, and providers.
Tenemos Voz National Latino Consumer Network
This network is comprised of Latinos with mental and substance use disorders who work to promote holistic approaches to health and wellness in recovery through equal access to treatment. The network engages in advocacy to influence policy, eliminate disparities, and improve treatment outcomes. It also provides educational and networking opportunities and support for consumer/survivors.
The Community Defined Evidence Project (CDEP)
This project is a collaborative effort between the National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA) and National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED) to advance understanding of effective community-based practices for Latinos. The project plans to develop an evidence base that uses key cultural and community indicators and to use this information to influence research, evaluation, policymakers, and funders to support efforts to implement and use community-based practices to reduce disparities and improve both access and quality of care for Latinos..
Issues of access to and inclusion in behavioral health services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and intersex consumers
In recognition of behavioral health disparities experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI) individuals, this article discusses key goals of an LGBTQI initiative to reduce inequalities in behavioral health outcomes. These goals focus on prevention of mistreatment, culturally affirmative environments of care, and clinically competent behavioral health care for LGBTQI consumers. Recommendations for data collection and trainings are made and a vision is outlined for inclusion that is responsive to the needs of LGBTQI individuals.
Evidence-based practices and multicultural mental health
Current trends in the behavioral health field show a significant increase in the promotion of evidence-based practices (EBPs) and requirement that they be incorporated into health and behavioral health care services. This emphasis reflects efforts to increase quality and accountability in services provided. This article not only addresses the use of EBPs and what it means for health and behavioral health services but also how they relate to better care for multicultural populations. Some key factors discussed include the history of EBPs, cultural competence and adaptations of EBPs, and recommendations for policy.
Racial Disparity in Mental Health Services: Why Race Still Matters
This book explores ways in which various factors such as racial identity, substance abuse, and socioeconomic conditions relate to differences in health and behavioral health services provided to different racial groups. Throughout this book, a number of experts from different disciplines discuss how various populations, including adolescents, the elderly, and minorities in general, experience inequality in today's system. Some specific topics discussed include, culture and race in provider-client relationships, cultural competence and improving mental health in African American women, and race/ethnicity and adolescent substance abuse.
Beyond the storms: Reflections on personal recovery in Devon
This book is a collection of personal stories of recovery shared by individuals who have experienced behavioral health problems and emotional distress. As individuals share their journeys through recovery they describe the despair and difficulty they were confronted with, as well as the hope, endurance, triumph, and determination associated with the recovery process. This book also describes techniques and makes suggestions that readers can use to manage their own recovery such as, developing a WRAP plan, acknowledging small achievements, and taking personal responsibility.
Stigma Research and Action Journal
This new, open-access international journal includes both peer-reviewed research and first-person accounts related to discrimination and prejudice based on health conditions, disabilities, or membership in a marginalized cultural or social group. The first issue includes research papers and reports on the following topics: HIV/AIDS, harsh attitudes and prejudices among health workers, obesity bias in adolescents, and internalized negative beliefs and attitudes in relation to behavioral health problems.
Social capital and psychiatry: Review of the literature.
This article explores social capital as it relates to mental health. The writers provide a history and several definitions for social capital, discuss the available literature on social capital's relationship with mental health, and conclude with recommendations for further exploring this relationship. The writers also discuss how clinicians and mental health systems may benefit from an increased understanding of social capital.
Poverty and social exclusion in the WHO European Region: Health systems respond
This report from the World Health Organization includes studies from several countries, each examining the relationship between poverty and health, including mental health. The report includes information about how this relationship influences access to care and provides suggestions for addressing the needs of people experiencing poverty or social exclusion.
Within our reach: Ending the mental health crisis
This book, written by former first lady Rosalynn Carter with Susan Golant and Kathryn Cade, offers an assessment of the current state of mental health. The book focuses on both the progress Mrs. Carter has seen during her 35 years of advocacy and the serious issues that must still be addressed before the mental health system can adequately meet the needs of people with mental health problems.
Shunned: Discrimination against people with mental illness
Thornicroft's book explores how negative perceptions affect the lives of people with mental health problems.
More us than them: positive depictions of mental illness on Australian television news
This 2007 study reviewed television news coverage of mental health issues, including self-depictions from people with mental health problems and views expressed by mental health experts and politicians. Investigators conducted a broad-ranging content and frame analysis of mental health problems as depicted in the Australian television news media. The study supports the importance of involving people with histories of mental health problems in news coverage.
Determinants of minority mental health and wellness
This compilation of articles examines social, cultural, and economic factors that impact the mental wellness of people of color in America.
Addressing racism: Facilitating cultural competence in mental health and educational settings
This resource provides information on strategies to eliminate racism and enhance the cultural competence of mental health and education systems and programs.
Firewalkers: Madness, Beauty & Mystery
VOCAL Virginia used grant funding from SAMHSA's Campaign for Mental Health Recovery to produce a living anthology of stories of people who have experienced the turbulence of a mental health crisis. A guide to radically rethinking mental health, Firewalkers redefines mental illness as "a journey of emotional turbulence, crazy blessings, ecstatic visions, and mad gifts."
Towards social inclusion in mental health?
This article explores the uses of the terms "social exclusion" and "social inclusion" in a mental health context. Focusing on social inclusion as a remedy for the ills of social exclusion, this article discusses implications for contemporary mental health policy, practice, and research and concludes that a better theoretical understanding of causal mechanisms is needed to enable the development of more socially inclusive mental health services.
Compeer friends: A qualitative study of a volunteer friendship programme for people with serious mental illness
This study explored the benefits and drawbacks of an intentional friendship programme (Compeer, Inc), which develops new social relationships for people with serious mental illness by matching them in one-to-one relationships with community volunteers for weekly social activities.
Effects of culturally relevant psychoeducation for Korean American families of persons with chronic mental illness
The goal of this study is to identify culturally relevant treatment methods and to assess the effects of family psychoeducational intervention for Korean Americans who had a family member with mental illness.
Relationships between stigma, depression, and treatment in white and African American primary care patients
This study examined the relationships among depression, mental health stigma, and treatment in African American and white primary care patients.
Changing attitudes of high school students towards peers with mental health problems
This study evaluated the effects of an antistigma program that was initiated in schools of Serbia with the aim to address and decrease discrimination of adolescents with mental disorders.
"Culture in psychiatric epidemiology: Using ethnography and multiple mediator models to assess the relationship of caste with depression and anxiety in Nepal
The study aimed to identify mediators underlying caste-based disparities in mental health in Nepal. Caste-based disparities in mental health in rural Nepal are statistically mediated by poverty, lack of social support, and stressful life events. Interventions should target these areas to alleviate the excess mental health burden born by Dalit/Nepali women and men.
Psychotic symptoms and general health in a socially disadvantaged migrant community in Bologna
This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the prevalence of psychotic symptoms among Romanian immigrants living in very poor conditions at an abandoned hotel in Bologna and to highlight the possible correlation with general health status, distress and socio-demographic characteristics.
SESAMI study of employment support for people with severe mental health problems: 12-month outcomes
In the context of UK policy to promote employment for people with disability as a means to greater social inclusion, this study investigated how people with severe mental health problems fare in existing supported employment agencies. The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with successful placement in work and to test the impact of working on psychological well-being in this group.
Patient ethnicity and perceptions of families and friends regarding depression treatment
"Black Americans are less likely than white Americans to seek professional treatment for depression. Whether treatment recommendations are sought and implemented by patients will be influenced by the role families and friends play in diagnostic acceptance and treatment decisions. Researchers investigated the association of ethnicity with the perceived need for treatment of depression by family and friends of older primary care patients.
Drugs and social exclusion in ten European cities.
The aim of this study is to describe social characteristics seen among socially excluded drug users in 10 cities from 9 European countries, and identify which social exclusion indicators (i.e. housing, employment, education) are most closely linked to intravenous drug use.
An unholy alliance: substance abuse and social exclusion among assertive outreach patients
The object of this study is to investigate the relationship between social exclusion and outcomes of people with mental illness and substance abuse problems receiving assertive outreach treatment in London.
Discrimination, historical loss and enculturation: Culturally specific risk and resiliency factors for alcohol abuse among American Indians
This report investigates the effects of discrimination, historical loss and enculturation on meeting diagnostic criteria for 12-month alcohol abuse among American Indians who share a common culture in the upper Midwest.
Reducing the stigma of mental illness
A national report on mental health, produced by the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, indicates that Canada lags behind other developed countries in awareness of mental health and mental disorders. The report points out that health-care professionals are among the groups that perpetuate the stigma associated with mental illness.
A cross-cultural study of employers' concerns about hiring people with psychotic disorder: implications for recovery
In this study, we tested this lay approach by comparing employers' concerns about hiring people with psychotic disorder for entry-level jobs in US and China.
Social distance towards people with mental illness in southwestern Nigeria
The aim of the present study was to assess the lay public's attitude (social distance) towards people with mental illness in southwestern Nigeria and examine the factors correlating with such an attitude.
Becoming culturally competent in ethnic psychopharmacology
This article will focus on the realm of ethnic psychopharmacology and propose a practice model for nurses to become culturally competent in the area of ethnic psychopharmacology.
Stigmatising attitude of medical students towards a psychiatry label.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a psychiatric label attached to an apparently normal person on the attitude of final year medical students at a Nigerian university.
Factors associated with perceived stigma for alcohol use and treatment among at-risk drinkers
This study examined the perceived public stigma for alcohol use and treatment among a sample of 733 at-risk drinkers living in the South.
The experience of Black consumers in the mental health system--identifying barriers to and facilitators of mental health treatment using the consumers' perspective.
The goal of the present study was to identify barriers to and facilitators of mental heath treatment among Blacks who have a documented need for mental health services.
Adolescents' attitudes toward schizophrenia, depression and PTSD
The objective of this study was to compare adolescents' attitudes toward schizophrenia, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Stigmatizing attitudes toward these three mental disorders were evaluated in 325 senior students from medical, commercial, and grammar high schools in Croatia using a 45-item questionnaire.
The association between perceived discrimination and underutilization of needed medical and mental health care in a multi-ethnic community sample
This study examines the association between perceived discrimination and underutilization of needed medical and mental health care, in a representative, multi-ethnic community sample. Data were derived from a cross sectional survey of 10,098 White, U.S.-born Black, African-born Black, American Indian, Hispanic, and Southeast Asian adults in Hennepin County, Minnesota.The higher prevalence of discrimination among racial and ethnic minorities may contribute to their underutilization of health care services. Future research is needed to understand the impacts of different types of discrimination on different groups.
The experience of stigma among Black mental health consumers.
This article suggest that little is known about how stigma affects Black people receiving mental health treatment. The researchers conducted qualitative interviews with public-sector Black mental health consumers to assist in the development of a consumer-based stigma intervention.
Association of perceived stigma and mood and anxiety disorders: Results from the World Mental Health Surveys
In this study, the researchers assessed the prevalence of perceived stigma among persons with mental disorders and chronic physical conditions in an international study.
Involving consumers in the development of a psychoeducational booklet about stigma for black mental health clients
This article documents the process of developing a consumer-derived psychoeducational booklet for Black adults contemplating mental health treatment. Black mental health consumers provided the content for the booklet through qualitative interviews about their experiences and then provided feedback once it was developed.
The prevalence of perceived discrimination among African American and Caribbean Black youth
This study examined ethnic, gender, and age differences in perceived discrimination and the association between perceived discrimination and psychological well-being in a nationally representative sample of Black adolescents.
Involving Consumers in the Development of a Psychoeducational Booklet About Stigma for Black Mental Health Clients.
This article documents the process of developing a consumer-derived psychoeducational booklet for Black adults contemplating mental health treatment. Black mental health consumers provided the content for the booklet through qualitative interviews about their experiences and then provided feedback once it was developed. Results from this project suggest that the strategy of involving consumers is a feasible approach to develop psychoeducational materials that address treatment barriers in underserved populations.
Psychoeducation to address stigma in Black adults referred for mental health treatment: A randomized pilot study.
In this study, forty-two Black clients referred for outpatient treatment were randomly assigned to receive existing brochures about services or a psychoeducational booklet about stigma based on experiences of Black mental health consumers. At 3-month follow-up, clients reported that both types of information were helpful; there were no significant differences between the types of information on treatment attendance.
Gender, race-ethnicity, and psychosocial barriers to mental healthcare: An examination of perceptions and attitudes among adults reporting unmet need
This study investigates correlates of psychosocial barriers to mental health care in a population of adults reporting unmet need for mental health care, focusing on gender and race-ethnicity.
Racial/ethnic discrimination and health: Findings from community studies
The authors review the available empirical evidence from population-based studies of the association between perceptions of racial/ethnic discrimination and health. This research indicates that discrimination is associated with multiple indicators of poorer physical and, especially, mental health status. However, the extant research does not adequately address whether and how exposure to discrimination leads to increased risk of disease.
Public stigma in relation to individuals with depression
This study was conducted in Brazil to assess public stigma in relation to individuals with depression and possible factors associated with this phenomenon.
Assessment of need for a school-based mental health programme in Nigeria: Perspectives of school administrators
In this study key informants from southwest Nigeria were interviewed to identify their perspectives on child mental illness and needs for a school mental health programme.
Needs and preferences for receiving mental health information in an African American focus group sample
The purpose of this study is to better understand the mental health/illness information and service delivery preferences among African American residents of Baltimore. Researchers conducted four focus groups (n = 42) among African American adults currently unconnected with the mental health system.
Teachers' knowledge, beliefs and attitudes concerning schizophrenia- a cross-cultural approach in Japan and Taiwan
In this study a total of 129 Japanese and 150 Taiwanese elementary school teachers were surveyed about knowledge, beliefs and attitudes concerning schizophrenia by means of a questionnaire with a vignette describing a case of the disease. Identification of the case, cause of the disease, coping behavior for the case, and perception of stigmatizing and supporting attitudes by parents and neighbors of the case were investigated.
Social distance towards people with mental illness in southwestern Nigeria
The aim of the present study was to assess the lay public's attitude (social distance) towards people with mental illness in southwestern Nigeria and examine the factors correlating with such an attitude. There is emerging evidence of a high level of social distance and stigmatization of mental illness in sub-Saharan Africa. There is need to incorporate anti-stigma educational programmes into the mental health policies of countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Such policy should include community education regarding the causation, manifestation, treatment and prognosis of mental illness.
Help seeking for mental health problems among Mexican Americans
This study uses data from a household survey (Mexican American Prevalence and Services Study; MAPSS) of 3,000 respondents in Fresno County, California, to 1) contrast use across multiple sectors of care among immigrant and U.S. born Mexican Americans with recent psychiatric disorders, 2) contrast multiple provider utilization patterns, and 3) identify specific factors associated with the use of mental health specialty and general medical sectors.
Health care providers' perspective of the gender influences on immigrant women's mental health care experience
The primary goal of this study was to explore how contextual factors intersect with race, gender, and class to influence the ways in which immigrant women seek help and to increase awareness and understanding of what would be helpful in meeting the mental health care needs of the immigrant women.
Comparison of African-Caribbean and White European young adults' conceptions of schizophrenia symptoms and the diagnostic label
This study aimed to investigate recognition and evaluation of schizophrenic symptoms across African-Caribbean and white European individuals. One hundred and twenty eight adult students from London colleges completed a questionnaire assessing stigma beliefs, evaluation of symptoms as mental illness and help-seeking beliefs, in response to symptom vignettes.
Overt and subtle racial discrimination and mental health: Preliminary findings for Korean immigrants
In this article the authors examined differential effects of overt and subtle forms of racial discrimination among Korean immigrants on 2 dimensions of mental health--positive affect and depressive symptoms, and explored the mediating roles of emotional arousal and cognitive appraisal.
Cultural differences in access to care
As high-profile reviews have appeared and international interest has grown, sophisticated studies of the U.S. population continue to document racial and ethnic disparities in initiation of mental health care and in continuity of care. Many explanations focus on cultural factors: trust and treatment receptiveness, stigma, culturally distinctive beliefs about mental illness and mental health, culturally sanctioned ways of expressing mental health-related suffering and coping styles, and client preferences for alternative interventions and treatment-seeking pathways, as well as unresponsive programs and providers.
Newspaper reporting on schizophrenia: A content analysis of five national newspapers at two time points
This study aimed to assess change in the quality of reporting of schizophrenia in UK national daily newspapers, comparing 1996 with 2005. There is little evidence that the quality of reporting of schizophrenia has changed over time. This suggests a need for the implementation of effective measures to bring newspaper reporting in line with current guidelines.
Social capital, anticipated ethnic discrimination and self-reported psychological health: A population-based study
This study investigates the association between anticipated ethnic discrimination and self-reported psychological health, taking generalized trust in other people into consideration. The 2004 Public Health Survey in Skåne, Sweden, is a cross-sectional postal questionnaire study including a total of 27,757 respondents aged 18-80 with a 59% response rate.
Perceived discrimination and the well-being of immigrant adolescents
This study draws on the social-discount and social-rejection hypotheses to examine the effect of perceived discrimination on immigrant youths? depressive moods, self-efficacy, and preferences for in-group socialization experiences. Data from a panel study of immigrant young adolescents (aged 12?18) who came to Israel from countries of the former Soviet Union during the preceding 6 years was used (n = 732).
Insight and psychosis: Comparing the perspectives of patient, entourage and clinician
In this study, the authors hypothesized that socio-cultural factors influence insight in patients with schizophrenia. The authors tested this hypothesis through comparison of insight in 18 triads, each composed of a patient, a family member and a clinician. The sample consisted of patients who were first diagnosed with psychosis in the last two years, and who were either immigrants from Africa or the Caribbean Islands, or Canadian born. Insight was assessed by analysis of narratives collected from patients, family members and clinicians for a research project on the negotiation of treatment.
Ethnic variations in mental health attitudes and service use among low-income African American, Latina, and European American young women
This study examines the predictors of mental health service use among patients in an ethnically diverse public-care women's clinic.
The influence of culture on immigrant women's mental health care experiences from the perspectives of health care providers
In this article, the authors suggest that although cultural knowledge and practices influence immigrant women's coping choices and strategies, awareness of social and economic differences among diverse groups of immigrant women is necessary to improve the accessibility of mental health care for immigrant women.
Use of health care services for psychological distress by immigrants in an urban multicultural milieu
This article finds that research in the United States tends to attribute low rates of use of mental health services by immigrants to economic barriers. The author's purpose of the study was to examine this issue in the context of Canada's universal health care system.
Immigrant perceptions of discrimination in health care: The California Health Interview Survey 2003
In this article the authors examined whether foreign-born persons are more likely to report discrimination in healthcare than U.S.-born persons in the same race/ethnic group, whether the immigration effect varies by race/ethnicity, and whether the immigration effect is "explained" by sociodemographic factors.
Greek police officers' attitudes towards the mentally ill
This study examines the attitudes of the Greek police towards the mentally ill, and the problems that arise during the transfer of mentally ill people to psychiatric emergency departments.
Survey of attitudes of mental health professionals in Singapore towards at-risk mental states
An anonymous survey containing a clinical vignette and questions related to the diagnosis and management of ARMS was sent out to all registered psychiatrists and psychiatric trainees in Singapore.
Stigma and beliefs of efficacy towards traditional Chinese medicine and Western psychiatric treatment among Chinese-Americans
In this study the authors examined community attitudes of efficacy and shame to investigate the factors that may underlie mental health service underutilization among Chinese Americans.
Fear of stigma deters US soldiers from seeking help for mental health
Brief review of study conducted regarding military and stigma related behaviors.
Attitude of the university students and teachers towards mentally ill, in Lahore, Pakistan
This study was carried out to assess the attitude of university students and teachers in Lahore, Pakistan.
Stigma and psychiatric illness. A survey of attitude of medical students and doctors in Lahore, Pakistan.
This study was carried out to assess the attitude of medical students and doctors, attending medical colleges in Lahore, Pakistan.
Insight in people with psychosis: The influence of culture
This paper discusses the recent findings of explanatory models of people with a variety of physical diseases in Vellore, India. It also summarizes the results of studies on insight in schizophrenia, which examined explanatory models of illness among patients, relatives, and the general population, in Vellore.
Shadows of culture in psychosis in south India: A methodological exploration and illustration.
Transcultural studies suggest a possible influence of culture on the course and outcome of schizophrenia. However, the notion of culture remains ill-defined in these studies; most often, hypotheses regarding protective factors seem to derive more from stereotyped visions of cultural differences than be empirically based. Explorative studies conducted in south India consider subjective experience as a key mediating variable between culture and course and outcome in schizophrenia.
Psychological distress among Latino family caregivers of adults with schizophrenia: The roles of burden and stigma
This study examined the relation between caregivers' mental health and perceived burden and stigma and characteristics of the patient and caregiver within the Latino community.
Art therapy: Using the creative process for healing and hope among African American older adults
This article provides an introduction to the field of art therapy and the potential it can offer to address the emotional needs of the frail elderly. Two case studies are discussed, and examples of artwork are provided.
How important is intrinsic spirituality in depression care? A comparison of white and African-American primary care patients
This study compares the views of African-American and white adult primary care patients regarding the importance of various aspects of depression care.
Experiences of harassment, discrimination, and physical violence among young gay and bisexual men
Study examining the 6-month cumulative incidence of anti-gay harassment, discrimination, and violence among young gay/bisexual men. Research also documented their associations with mental health.
Demystifying mental illness in any language
It can be difficult to bring mental health care to some immigrant communities, where beside the great language barriers, one encounters stigma that can transcend the individual and include the entire family. This article looks at providing mental health care across cultures.
Meta-analysis of stigma and mental health
Recent research has emphasized the adverse effects of stigma on minority groups' mental health. Governments and service agencies have put much effort into combating stigma against a variety of conditions. Nevertheless, previous empirical research on the stigma/mental health relationship has yielded inconclusive findings, varying from strong negative to zero correlations. Thus, whether stigma is related significantly to mental health is yet to be confirmed.
The journey of Native American people with serious mental illness: Executive summary
This report describes the first national conference on Native American people with serious mental illness. Describes meeting of State, tribal, and Federal mental health officials; providers; families; and consumers to tackle mental health delivery issues for Native Americans and to overcome barriers for developing coordinated, efficient, and culturally relevant systems of care.
Stigma and discrimination towards people with schizophrenia and their family members : A qualitative study with focus groups
There is a scarcity of data regarding the actual stigma and discrimination experienced by schizophrenic patients and their relatives. Those experiences can vary significantly depending on the specific social group involved. This study explored such phenomena in our culture with a qualitative technique.
Comparing life experiences of college students with differing courses of schizophrenia in Korea: Case studies
The objective of this study was to identify how daily experiences of college students with schizophrenia reflected the course of their disease.
Public awareness of the effectiveness of psychiatric treatment may reduce stigma
Stigmatization is of importance in mental disorders. It is widely believed that one of the most important factors in stigmatization is considering the patients as dangerous. This study aims at analyzing the impact of knowledge regarding the chances of treating mental illness.
The influence of information on social and occupational outcome in mental illness on the attitudes of students in Turkey
This article attempts to evaluate the influence of a series of determinants of stigmatization of mental illness.
Acceptability of treatment for depression among African-American, Hispanic, and white primary care patients
Ethnic minority patients are less likely than white patients to receive guideline-concordant care for depression. This study examined the differences among African Americans, Hispanics, and whites in acceptability of antidepressant medication and acceptability of individual counseling.
Relation of peer and media influences to the development of purging behaviors among preadolescent and adolescent girls
Study conducted to assess prospectively the relation of peer and media influences on the risk of development of purging behaviors.
Economic barriers to better mental health practice and policy
This paper discusses economic barriers to improving the availability, accessibility, efficiency and equity of mental health care in low- and middle-income countries.
What is in a name? Professionals and service users' opinions of the Hebrew terms used to name psychiatric disorders and disability
Stigma constitutes the hidden burden of mental disorders. Its ubiquitous presence may be reinforced by iatrogenic factors, such as the terms used to name mental disorders and disability. This preliminary study examines opinions with regard to the use of these terms in Hebrew.
Community study of knowledge of and attitude to mental illness in Nigeria
This article describes a study conducted to determine knowledge of and attitude to mental illness in sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 2,040 individuals participated in the study from three states in the Yoruba-speaking parts of Nigeria, representing 22 percent of the national population. See URL for full text.
Causal beliefs and attitudes to people with schizophrenia. Trend analysis based on data from two population surveys in Germany
In this article the authors examine how the German public's causal attributions of schizophrenia and their desire for social distance from people with schizophrenia developed over the 1990s. See URL for full text.
Focus on psychiatry in Singapore
This article presents an overview of the historical development of psychiatric services and the progress of psychiatric research and training in Singapore, a cosmopolitan city of diverse cultures and beliefs that influence the health-seeking behavior and care of people with mental illness. See URL for full text.
Mental health crisis in black America
In this article the author addresses the unique challenges faced by Black Americans with mental illness and provides suggestions for change. See URL for full text. Available from findarticles.com.
Stigmatization and access to health care in Latin America: Challenges and perspectives
This study attempts to analyze stigma and barriers to treatment on the basis of what is
happening today in the countries of Latin America.
Rural culture is a diversity issue
This article attempts to make the case that there are some significant differences in factors that affect rural people?s mental health, as well as in the manner in which we can most effectively provide mental health services to them.
Forensic mental health law reform in Japan: From criminal warehousing to broad-spectrum specialist services?
This article seeks to demonstrate that the new forensic law in Japan cannot achieve its own stated goals without seeking to put into place financial and administrative supports aimed to integrate the myriad of patient populations that inevitably will be affected by the new forensic system.
No comfort in the rural south: Women living depressed
An article discussing the opportunities for research and strategy that exist for providing mental health services to women in a rural area.
Mental health-related knowledge, attitudes and practices in two kibbutzim
This study explored mental health-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in two kibbutzim (collective villages).
Brief reports: self-stigma, empowerment, and perceived legitimacy of discrimination among women with mental illness
The study sought to better understand why some people with mental illness self-stigmatize and develop low self-esteem while others remain indifferent to stigma or respond with a sense of empowerment. The authors hypothesized that a high level of perceived discrimination, little sense of identification with the group of people with mental illness, and a high level of perceived legitimacy of discrimination lead to self-stigma.
Beyond cultural and religious biases: Asian Indians and mental health issues
An article discussing the need for an understanding of the Asian Indian's way of life as a means of providing appropriate and beneficial treatment for mental illness.
Psychological and mental illness among elder immigrants from the former Soviet Union
The study examined the cultural context of psychological illness among elder immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU).
Lived experiences of family caregivers of mentally ill relatives
The aim of this paper is to report a study conducted to explore the meanings of the lived experiences that Chinese family caregivers in Malaysia ascribed to the care they provided to relatives with severe and persistent mental illness.
Advocacy for mental health: Roles for consumers and family organizations and governments
The World Health Organization urges countries to become more active in advocacy efforts to put mental health on governments' agendas. Health policy makers, planners and managers, advocacy groups, consumer and family organizations, through their different roles and actions, can move the mental health agenda forward. This paper outlines the importance of the advocacy movement, describes some of the roles and functions of the different groups and identifies some specific actions that can be adopted by Ministries of Health.
Does stigma concerning mental disorders differ through medical education? A survey among medical students in Istanbul
The aim of this study is to determine the attitudes of medical students toward mentally disabled people and to understand the impact of schooling on attitude difference by evaluating second and sixth year medical students.
Migration, mental illness and Terry Watada's "The Tale of the Mask"
This article provides an extended synopsis and review of the play, "The Tale of the Mask by Terry Watada." The play addresses the topics of multiculturalism in Canada, attitudes toward mental illness, social discrimination and stigma, and Canadian mental health sevices.
Stigmatization in Alzheimer's disease research on African American elders
Stigmatization in research sustains the spread of the silent epidemic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in African American populations. Researchers use stereotypes and inappropriate assumptions to select a paradigm to examine the symptoms of AD. This paradigm fails to encompass the symptoms as manifested by African American elders. Yet, stigmatization can be minimized by recognizing the genetic heterogeneity of the symptoms within the general population, especially those manifested by African American elders. Thus, researchers can utilize pioneering genetic analyses to identify other paradigms critical in the assessment and proactive treatment of the symptoms of AD needed for this vulnerable population.
Words have power: (Re)-defining serious emotional disturbance for American Indian and Alaska Native children and their families
Circles of Care grantees were provided the opportunity to develop a locally relevant definition of serious emotional disturbance (SED) that would be used to define what type of emotional, behavioral, and mental disability would be required to receive services. The definitions for SED developed by rural grantees included American Indian and Alaska Native concepts specific to each tribal community?s culture.
Stigmatization of Hispanic children, pre-adolescents, and adolescents with mental illness: Exploration using a national database
This paper examines descriptive statistics for the primary payer, length of stay, and admission source of an acute care hospitalization of Hispanic children, pre-adolescents, and adolescents, with a primary psychiatric Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) and relates these variables to the concept of stigma.
Length of stay, admission types, psychiatric diagnoses, and the implications of stigma in African Americans in the nationwide inpatient sample
A study researching the demographic characteristics, length of stay, most prevalent psychiatric diagnoses, and hospital admissions of African Americans compared to other U.S. populations using a nationwide sample (N = 4,474,732).
Effect of labeling on public attitudes toward people with schizophrenia: Are there cultural differences
A representative survey was recently conducted in Germany and concluded that labeling as mental illness has an impact on public attitudes towards people with schizophrenia, with negative effects clearly outweighing positive effects. In this study, we will examine whether this result can be replicated in other countries.
Stigma impact on Moroccan families of patients with schizophrenia
The study was conducted among 100 family members accompanying patients with schizophrenia. Study used a heteroquestionnaire that inquired about family members' and patients' sociodemographic data, family members' knowledge of the patients' illness, their attitudes and behaviours toward the patient, and their perception of stigma
Treatment delay in first-episode nonaffective psychosis: A pilot study with African American family members and the theory of planned behavior
This pilot study examined associations between three central constructs of the theory of planned behavior and the length of treatment delay among patients hospitalized for a first episode of nonaffective psychosis.
Perception of stigma among family members of individuals with schizophrenia and major affective disorders in rural Ethiopia
This study aimed to estimate the extent and socio-demographic distribution of stigma as perceived by relatives of mentally ill individuals in rural Ethiopia.
Adherence to antidepressant medications in Black and Latino elderly patients
The purpose of this pilot study was to identify ethnic group differences in nonadherence and to determine predictors of nonadherence to antidepressant medications in older minority-group members.
Chinese cultural dynamics of unemployability of male adults with psychiatric disabilities in Hong Kong
In this case history, instead of finding realistic employment, a male adult with psychiatric disability tried to indulge himself in what he felt was his ideal job to fulfill all requirements as an adult male in Chinese culture. The imaginative ideal job gave him excuses to discontinue open employment. Its implications to vocational rehabilitation with male adults with psychiatric disability are discussed.
Church-based support groups for African American families coping with mental illness: Outreach and outcomes
This study examined the outreach efforts used to provide information about support groups to congregants as well as the participation outcomes reported by families who attended support group meetings.
United States and Japanese college students' attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help
The purpose of the study was to find how nationality, sex, and past experience of seeking professional psychological services among Japanese students are related to attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help.
Dynamics of inclusion and exclusion: Comparing mental illness narratives of Haredi male patients and their rabbis
By comparing versions of mental illness narratives - told by Haredi (Utraorthodox Jews) male patients of a mental health clinic in Israel and by their rabbis - this paper relates to two distinct, yet interrelated, theoretical questions: the place and agency of narrators, and the tension between experience and representation.
Beliefs about causation of schizophrenia: Do Indian families believe in supernatural causes?
Beliefs about the causation of schizophrenia could influence the attitudes patients' families adopt towards the patient and may also influence their help-seeking behaviour. Indian families have been typically described as often believing in causes like supernatural forces and therefore seeking help from magico-religious healers. In the changing mental health scenario in India, this impression needs verification.
Public attitudes to schizophrenia in rural Turkey
The aim of this study was to determine the public's attitudes towards patients with schizophrenia in rural areas.
Hispanic access to health/mental health services
This commentary addresses the factors that interfere with the Hispanics' access to health/mental health care, and presents advance recommendations to alleviate and/or resolve this critical problem.
Shifting blame away from ill relatives: Latino families' reactions to schizophrenia
The present study examined attributions, emotions, and help-giving of 24 relatively unacculturated Latino-Americans toward a family member with schizophrenia.
Complementary spiritual beliefs in the Latino community: The interface with psychotherapy
This article is intended to help non-Latino mental health practitioners develop a level of understanding and respect for other spiritual traditions, as well as achieve the adjustment of clinical techniques necessary for better cultural responsiveness to patients who hold such beliefs.
Causes of schizophrenia reported by patients' family members in China
This study was conducted to develop a quantitative measure suitable for assessing the relationship of causal beliefs to expressed emotion, stigma, care-seeking and adherence.
Sources of burdens on families of individuals with mental illness
This study set out to explore the relationship between stigma, accessibility of mental health facilities and family burden through individual interviews of patients' relatives in order to understand the burden on mentally ill patients' relatives from their perspectives.
Rural residence is not a risk factor for frequent mental distress: A behavioral risk factor surveillance survey
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between residing in a rural area and frequent mental distress, which is one indicator of poor mental health.
Health concept of older Hispanic immigrants
The purpose of this study was to explore the health concept of older Hispanic immigrants. In tape-recorded home interviews, 54 respondents were asked to define health, describe the characteristics of a healthy older person, identify what contributes to good health, and report what they did to maintain their health.
Social network's healing power is borne out in poorer nations
This article describes the findings of a 3-decade-long study by the World Health Organization (WHO) which found that mental health consumers in poorer countries have higher rates of recovering from schizophrenia. Key findings described explore the role that family support, culture, and other social networks have on individuals with schizophrenia. This article discusses the differences in the roles of doctors, the invaluable role of families, and the importance of integrating social and cultural supports with medicine to achieve more positive outcomes.
Effects of an educational program on public attitudes towards mental illness
The World Psychiatric Association promotes global anti-stigma programs. However, evaluation research is crucial to developing effective programs. The present study examined the effects of a lecture on mental health on public attitudes towards mental illness. Subjects were recruited from individuals employed by private companies and the government. Attitudes towards mental illness were measured using the Mental Illness and Disorder Understanding Scale developed by the authors and the Scale of Negative Attitudes Towards the Independence of People with Mental Disorders. Test scores obtained before and after the lecture were compared. The results demonstrated that scores on both scales improved significantly. The present study suggests the effectiveness of this type of educational program in reducing stigma attached to mental illness and disorder.
Ethnocultural factors in the development of an Asian American psychiatrist
The authors discuss some of the difficulties for the Asian American psychiatric trainee, in relation to the stigma of mental illness and its impact on the trainee's decision to enter psychiatry, ethnic identity and stereotyping, psychotherapy supervision, and career opportunities.
Engaging Asian Americans for mental health research: challenges and solutions
This paper describes one group's experience of building research programs in a community-based health care facility. It highlights some of the challenges they faced, and barriers that were overcome.
Manifestation, attribution, and coping with depression among Asian Indians from the perspectives of health care practitioners
The study explores cultural influences on depression and care outcomes among Asian Indians with depression.
Treatment delay among Asian-American patients with severe mental illness
This study examined length of treatment delay and cultural-familial correlates in a group of 62 Asian-American patients (average age 34 yrs) with severe mental illness and 40 of their relatives (average age 57.7 yrs). Contrary to prior findings of long treatment delay among Asian Americans, this cohort reported relatively low levels of stigma and shame and relatively short delay between onset of psychiatric symptoms and inception of treatment. Higher levels of shame and stigma felt by the relatives were associated with patients' longer treatment delay.
Cultural diversity series: Meeting the mental health needs of African Americans: Executive summary
A series of technical assistance reports focusing on the mental health needs and access issues of diverse ethnic and non-ethnic populations. The report provides a demographic and cultural overview of African Americans, describes their mental health needs, and describes traditional patterns of service utilization and suggests strategies for enhancing access to effective, culturally competent mental health services.
African American mental health: Persisting questions and paradoxal findings
The paper discusses the history of African American studies completed on mental health and reviews current studies on black mental health that are no longer characterized by such racism.
Behavioral health care needs of rural women
This report attempts to direct attention to this underrepresented group and presents a review of the literature related to the behavioral health care needs of rural women. With this knowledge, psychologists and other health professionals will be able to more effectively plan and deliver services to this population.
Barriers to mental health care access in an African American population
This paper reports findings from a NINR-funded qualitative study that examined the barriers to mental health care service use in an African American low-income population. Barriers were identified at three levels: individual, environmental, and institutional. Fourteen barrier categories were identified within those levels with three categories common to the majority of participants. The identified categories provide insight into the process of seeking services within this population and provide direction for future investigation.
Stigma, racism, or choice. Why do depressed ethnic elders avoid psychiatrists?
This study explored and compared the views of White British (WB) and Black African-Caribbean (BC) older people on depression as an illness, avenues of help and the place of mental health services.
Mental health: culture, race, and ethnicity: A supplement to Mental health: A report of the Surgeon General
This report is a supplement to the first ever Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health, Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General. This supplement covers the four most recognized racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States and the barriers to services that are encountered by persons of certain social and cultural groups.
Comprehensive in-depth literature review and analysis of Hispanic mental health issues
This literature review documents the unique mental health concerns of the Hispanic community, with a special focus on Cuban, Dominican, Mexican, and Puerto Rican communities.
Focus on women: Mothers with mental illness: I: The competing demands of parenting and living with mental illness
The purpose of this study is to understand the parenting experiences of women with mental illness from the perspectives of mothers and case managers employed by the state department of mental health.
Bridge Program: A model for reaching Asian Americans
An article discussing the Bridge Program, which was designed to improve access to mental health services by Asian Americans, by integrating mental health services in a primary care setting.
Establishing a comprehensive system of care for persons with mental illnesses
A proposed resolution submitted during the 66th Biennial Convention in which the Union of American Hebrew Congregations addresses various issues on mental illness in the Jewish community.
New data on lesbian, gay, and bisexual mental health: New findings overturn previous beliefs
An article briefly discussing the results of several breakthrough studies which offer new insights on gay men, lesbians and bisexuals.
Mental illness: The moral imperative
A sermon in which a rabbi discusses the push to educate Jewish congregations about mental illness and to advocate for enhanced resources to care for individuals with mental illnesses.
Islamic perspectives on mental illness and counseling
A brief article discussing a session of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) held in September 2000, in which the issue of mental health was addressed in the Islamic community.
Confronting the 'stigma walls' blocking Jews who need help
An article addressing the stigma that exists within the Jewish community towards mental illness. It also discusses a half-day gathering "Bringing Down the Stigma Walls," held in November 2000.
Cultural diversity series: Meeting the mental health needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons. Executive summary
This report provides basic information regarding common mental health concerns of GLBT persons to aid in the development of culturally competent mental health services and supports.
Being gay and mentally disabled [sic]
This article reflects on the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people with mental illnesses. It focuses attention on the Zappalorti Society in New York City.
Mental illness -- Chinese style
The purpose of this article is to examine the specific factors that lead to the social stigma towards mental illness in the Chinese community at large. The media is cited as playing an integral role.
Spirituality important to African Americans in treating depression
Brief article discussing study results that demonstrated that African Americans were three times more likely than whites to rate spirituality as an extremely important dimension of depression care.
From whence comes mental illness stigma?
This paper seeks to answer two fundamental questions: What is the basis of the current form of mental illness stigma? and Why do western cultures stereotype people with mental illness as dangerous, incompetent and blameful, rather than something else?
Barriers to providing effective mental health services to Asian Americans
This paper examines the barriers to providing effective mental health services to Asian Americans. Beginning with the recognition that Asian Americans consists of numerous heterogeneous subgroups, the issue of the stereotype of Asian Americans as the "model minority" is discussed.
Frequency and scope of mental health service delivery to African Americans in primary care
This study examines whether African Americans with mental health complaints visit primary care physicians more than psychiatrists, and whether they demonstrate this preference more than Whites do.
Culture and chronic mental illness
The relationship of culture to chronic mental illness is reviewed in a cross-national and cross-ethnic perspective. The author critically examines the argument that chronicity is a cultural artifact.
Prevalence, severity, and unmet need for treatment of mental disorders in the World Health Organization World Mental Health surveys
Little is known about the extent or severity of untreated mental disorders, especially in less-developed countries. This study estimates prevalence, severity, and treatment of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) mental disorders in 14 countries (6 less developed, 8 developed) in the World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Initiative.
Stigma and expressed emotion: A study of people with schizophrenia and their family members in China
This study was conducted to explore the factors that mediate patients' emotional and cognitive responses to stigma.