This section intends to give an insight into a number of traditions, cultural beliefs and practices in the context of mental health and well-being. For example, within some cultures, mental health problems may be described in terms of chronic physical symptoms; or attributed to spiritual factors. Despite the fact that some of the information contained in this section is categorised according to cultural background or ethnic group, it is not our intention to imply that individuals from particular communities are a homogenous group. We wish to emphasis that for each individual the formation of one's cultural identity is a dynamic process. Experiences, values and beliefs of an individual can not be essentialized according to his or her ethnic or cultural background.

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13 Items

Depression in Developing Countries: Lessons from Zimbabwe

Patel, V., Abas, M., Broadhead, J., Todd, C., Reeler, A., BMJ 2001; (322):482-484, 2001

This article contends that chronic physical symptoms may signal depression in Zimbabwean patients. However, the paper argues that despite the somatisation of symptoms, the use of western biomedical models of depression can be successful, even across cultures, as long as careful thought is given to their "conceptual" translation.

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Perspectives on the Meanings of Symptoms among Cambodian Refugees

Stevens, C.A., Journal of Psychology 2001, vol 37(1): 91-98, 2001

This article examines the meanings attributed to symptoms such as nightmares, breathing problems and memory loss by 150 Cambodian refugees in Australia

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Traditional Chinese Society

Glossary of Culture-Bound Syndromes

2000

An extensive list of Culture-Bound Syndromes from around the world together with a description of their geographical, cultural and/or religious locale.

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Infusing Culture into Psychopathology: A Supplement for Psychology Instructors

Ritts, V, 1999

This paper gives a simple synopsis of historical attitudes towards mental health and brief descriptions of culture-bound syndromes in a number of countries including China, Nigeria, India, within Islamic Culture.

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ABC of Mental Health: Mental Health in a multiethnic society

Dein, S, BMJ 1997;315:473-476 , 1997

Provides a short lexicon of idioms of distress, and culture bound syndromes

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Cross-Cultural Medicine and Diverse Health Beliefs: Ethiopians Abroad

Hodes, R.M, West J Med , October 1997; 166:29-36., 1997

This article offers a number of vignettes which highlight some of the health beliefs held by Ethiopian patients attending primary care clinics in Ethiopia and Israel

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Screening for Depression Among Newly Arrived Vietnamese Refugees in Primary Care Settings

Buchwald, D et al, West J Med , October 1995; 163:341-345., 1995

This paper outlines the results of research into depression among newly arrived Vietnamese Refugees in the United States. The paper identifies some culture-specific and somatic symptoms of depression that could be overlooked or misinterpreted by physicians who have limited experience with Vietnamese patients.

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Queensland Health

Cultural Diversity: A Guide for Health Professionals

This glossary includes some basic demographic, epidemiological, and cultural information on a select number of ethnic groups. The profile information for each group includes a summary of health beliefs and practices.

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A summary of Evil Eye Beliefs from around the world and the impact of evil eye on mental well-being

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Ethnomed

The EthnoMed site contains information about cultural beliefs, medical issues including cultural perceptions about causes of mental health problems.

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