The importance of knowledge of the patient’s cultural background in the practice of psychiatry : a case report

Abstract EN

The first step in the creation of a management plan for the treatment of a patient, irrespective of the medical discipline, is arriving at a proper diagnosis.

In the practice of psychiatry knowledge of the patient’s culture may be critical to achieving this first step.

This case report is an example of just that.

It outlines a situation where the lack of knowledge regarding the patient’s culture and its symbolic meaning led to an error in diagnosis with the consequent delay in appropriate management.

Acceptable cultural behaviors were interpreted as psychosis and antipsychotic medications were used rather than antidepressants which are the appropriate treatment for this case.