Transcultural psychiatric assessment

Cameron Watson, Dinesh Bhugra

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

In an increasingly globalized world, migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers show higher than expected rates of mental illness. Migration and asylum occur for a number of personal and geopolitical reasons. Cultures and cultural identities strongly influence presentation, help-seeking and therapeutic alliance. Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups have higher than expected rates of psychiatric disorders, and their idioms of distress and pathways to care often vary compared with the majority population: thus, they need particular consideration in terms of their mental healthcare. Clinicians dealing with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups must use a culturally sensitive and appropriate approach. This paper highlights some of the factors clinicians must be aware of and take into account while planning interventions. The authors make recommendations regarding assessment and management. Assessment must incorporate factors including primary language, religion, cultural identity and, where applicable, migration history. ‘Cultural competence’ must be a priority in developing and delivering services.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)701-703
Number of pages3
JournalMedicine (United Kingdom)
Volume48
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2020

Keywords

  • Assessment
  • Black, Asian and ethnic minorities
  • MRCP
  • cultural identity
  • help-seeking
  • mental state
  • migration

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Transcultural psychiatric assessment'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this