Bridging culture and psychopathology in mental health care

Understanding Distribution of Gender and Race across Consultation Liaison Psychiatry in USA

The United States of America (USA) has a culturally and ethnically diverse population. Various gender and racial minorities in the healthcare system are not represented adequately when compared to their ratios in the general population. This study reviewed the gender and racial distribution and its temporal trends among fellows in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) within the USA. A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the gender and race of fellows in CLP fellowship programs in the USA from 2007 to 2019. Data was retrieved from publicly available Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Resource Books. According to ACGME data, races were categorized as White (non-Hispanic), Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Black (non-Hispanic), Native American/Alaskan, Others, and Unknown. Gender was self-reported as male, female, and not reported. Among fellows in CLP, the White (Non-Hispanic) race remained the most represented and increased by 7.3% from 2011 to 2019, with an 18.6% increase in relative change. In contrast, the Asian/Pacific Islander, African American/Black (Non-Hispanic), and others decreased by 6.2%, 4.0%, and 4.6%, respectively. Gender distribution trends showed an increase in male representation with a relative increase of 14.7% and an absolute increase of 5.5%. Similar trends were seen in female representation with a relative and absolute increase of 5.2% and 2.8%, respectively. However, women remained the most represented throughout the period. Considering the ongoing globalization & rapidly evolving US demographics, it is crucial to analyze the gender and racial disparities within psychiatry. Racial concordance and a diversified culturally competent physician workforce is imperative for the effective delivery of mental health services.

Barriers to accessing mental health services in Somali-Australian women: a qualitative study

Despite the global prevalence of mental disorders being widely acknowledged, mental illness, complex trauma and the significant impact on individuals, families and communities continues to be poorly recognized, under-diagnosed and underreported. Based on the 2017 Australian census, one-in-five (20%) people have experienced some type of mental illness within the last 12 months (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2019). The prevalence rate of mental illness in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities is difficult to estimate due to cultural and linguistic issues and underutilization of mental health services. In particular, little epidemiological data is available about the prevalence of mental illness in the Somali-Australian community. The aim of this study was to identify the perceived barriers to help-seeking for mental health for Somali-Australian women. A qualitative descriptive study incorporating focus group discussions with 31 Somali-Australian women was conducted in Melbourne, Australia. Braun & Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis was applied to the data. Four themes relating to help-seeking barriers were abstracted. Influence of faith explored how Islam can impact the person views on mental illness. Stigma focused on the relationship between public and self-stigma and help-seeking. Mistrust of Western healthcare system describes the participants concerns about the cultural disconnect between the community and the Western healthcare system. Finally, denial of mental illness reflected the community views on mental health. This study provides an insight into the factors that influence the Somali-Australian community help-seeking with mental health services. The findings have implications for mental health professionals and the Somali-Australian community.

Cultural Humility and the Practice of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry

BACKGROUND

Cultural competency has long been the gold standard for clinicians who treat patients of different races and/or cultural backgrounds than their own. However, in recent years, there has been increasing criticism of the cultural competency framework because of its reliance on stereotypes and an overemphasis on knowledge acquisition.

OBJECTIVE

We review this transition, including the critiques of cultural competency. We highlight trends in psychiatrist diversity, education, and training on cultural humility, including how consultation-liaison psychiatrists can incorporate advances in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, regarding the role of culture in clinical diagnosis, treatment, and management.

METHODS

We review the transition from cultural competency to cultural humility, including the critiques of cultural competency. We highlight trends in psychiatrist diversity, education, and training on cultural humility.

RESULTS

We illustrate how consultation-liaison psychiatrists can incorporate advances in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, regarding the role of culture in clinical diagnosis, treatment, and management.

CONCLUSIONS

Cultural humility, which minimizes the power imbalance between clinicians and patients and emphasizes patient-focused interviewing and care, is a useful approach for consultation-liaison psychiatrists working with diverse patients and with diverse multidisciplinary teams in the general hospital.

Self-Stigmatization in children receiving mental health treatment in Lahore, Pakistan

INTRODUCTION

Self-stigma has a negative impact on the lives of children with mental health illnesses. It is a massive obstacle in the way of seeking professional help and poses a challenge to clinician's efforts to timely intervene and provide treatment.

AIM

The aim of our study was to measure the stigma associated with mental illness in children with a variety of psychiatric diagnoses.

METHODS

Following Institutional Review Board approval, an interviewer-based questionnaire was administered to children (aged 8-12 years), receiving treatment in Child Psychiatry Department at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. The questionnaire comprised of Demographic Information Form and Paediatric Self-Stigmatization Scale (PaedS). In addition, parent / caregiver also completed a modified sub scale of the PaedS measuring the children's rejection by others due to their mental health difficulties.

RESULTS

110 children with various psychiatric problems, were interviewed with a mean age of 10 years + 1.7. Widespread presence of self-stigmatization was found in these children with particularly high scores for the scales of Societal Devaluation (2.6 + 0.54), Secrecy (2.85 + 0.59) and Self stigma (2.7 + 0.70). Almost two third of parents also answered in affirmative to statements about their children rejection by others due to their mental health difficulties. Children with emotional/ behavioral difficulties had statistically significant scores on secrecy and personal rejection subscales (P value<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant self-stigmatization amongst the children diagnosed with mental health illnesses in Lahore, Pakistan emphasize negative societal attitudes, which need to be addressed effectively in a timely manner.

Cultural Diversity and Mental Health: Considerations for Policy and Practice

The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the key considerations that lie at the intersection of cultural diversity and mental health. Mental health providers and professionals across the world have to work with clients that are often from cultures other than their own. The differences in cultures have a range of implications for mental health practice, ranging from the ways that people view health and illness, to treatment seeking patterns, the nature of the therapeutic relationship and issues of racism and discrimination. This paper will excavate some of these considerations with a view to raising possible ways in which mental health systems and professionals can engage across cultures more equitably and sustainably.