The role of cultural beliefs on mental health treatment

الملخص EN

ultural beliefs influence patient experiences with mental illness and symptom presentation, leading to difficulties in making a psychiatric diagnosis.

In developing countries, and among migrant communities in developed countries, people continue to use traditional treatments despite the introduction of Western health care services.

The current review provides background information on cultural beliefs and their influence on behavior regarding mental illness, highlighting the complex environment in which general health workers practice.

The review includes case studies from Papua New Guinea, as little is known about the impact that diverse cultural-linguistic beliefs have on culture-specific diagnoses, traditional treatment, and the management of mental health in this country.

Knowing the types of mental health problems general health workers manage in the community, and adequate knowledge in both cultural and Western mental health issues, is necessary for the effective provision of mental health care.