Ethnic Psychiatry

Today there is an overall greater awareness and acceptance of ethnic diversity in American society and a clearer definition of the United States as a pluralistic nation. The last U.S. census showed that well over 100 million Americans, white and non­ white, identify with an ethnic group. Ethnicity is indicative of more than the personal distinc­ tiveness derived from race, religion, national origin, or ge­ ography. It denotes the culture of people-that powerful yet subtle factor that shapes values, attitudes, perceptions, needs, modes of expression, patterns of behavior, and identity. From a clinical perspective ethnicity involves conscious and uncon­ scious processes that fulfill deep psychological needs for se­ curity, a sense of one's own proper dignity, and a sense of historical continuity as well. These functional aspects of eth­ nicity reinforce the notion that culture is of significant value to the quality of life and the mental health of all individuals. In the preventive and therapeutic sense, ethnicity sustains a capacity for coping with stress by providing communal support systems which serve to buffer the excessive indi­ vidualism, alienation, and anomie of modem mass culture. Hence, to ensure appropriate delivery of mental health ser­ vices to a particular ethnic population, mental health profes­ sionals must first become cognizant of the positive aspects vii FOREWORD viii and strengths to be drawn from a particular group identity and then incorporate these elements into their treatment strat­ egies or techniques.

Contenu

1. Introduction.- Ethnicity.- Social Class and Ethnicity.- Race.- Minorities.- Group Differences and Mental Health.- References.- 2. The Mental Health of Black Americans: Psychiatric Diagnosis and Treatment.- Diagnosis, Myths, and Stereotypes.- Problems Related to Treatment.- Folk Medicine Healing.- Special Problems Related to the Treatment of Black Patients.- Special Problems Related to Somatic Therapy.- Summation.- References.- 3. Hispanics: Psychiatric Issues.- Cultural Considerations.- Clinical Diagnosis and Psychopathology.- Therapy.- Conclusion.- References.- 4. Therapy for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.- The Asian American and Pacific Islander Experience.- The Chinese Experience.- Impact of the Anti-Chinese Legislative Acts.- Mental Health: Myths and Realities.- Mental Health Needs of Chinese Americans.- Deviant Behavior in Chinese.- The Filipino Experience.- The Filipino Community in the United States.- Mental Health Problems of Filipinos.- Mental Health of Filipino Americans.- Summary Statement for All Asian Americans.- The Importance of Generation.- Mental Health Needs of Asian Americans.- Variations According to Ethnicity.- Difference of the Generations of Asians and Pacific Islanders.- Tests, Rating Scales, and Interview Schedules.- Alternative Services.- Rehabilitation Services for Asians and Pacific Islanders.- Community Outreach.- Campaigns to Improve Acceptability of Services.- Research in Asian and Pacific Islander Populations.- The Use of Native Healers and Indigenous Methods.- Summary.- Therapy with Filipino Patients.- Therapy with Korean Patients.- Therapy with Japanese Patients.- Therapy with Chinese Patients.- Therapy with Vietnamese Patients.- Therapy with Samoans.- References.- 5. An Integrative Approach to American Indian Mental Health.- Precontact Period.- The Manifest Destiny Era: 1492-1890.- The Assimilation Era: 1890-1970.- Indian Self-Determination.- Today's Mental Health Problems and Programs in American Indian Communities.- "Traditional" Definitions of Sickness and Types of Healing.- Benefits of Integration.- Methods of Integration.- Future Directions.- Appendix (Chronology).- References.