The Understanding and Treatment of Schizophrenia in India and Nigeria
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Authors
Elmore, Florence Downey
Issue Date
2006
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
A better outcome and course for schizophrenia in developing countries, specifically India and Nigeria, was reported in the International Pilot Study on Schizophrenia (IPSS) and the Determinants of Outcomes of Severe Mental Disorders (DOSMD) studies done by the World Health Organization. This qualitative meta-analysis employed the content analytic review of all literature relating to the understanding and treatment of schizophrenia in India and Nigeria from 1980 to the present to elucidate what factors may be contributing to the better course and outcome. The two most prominent factors found were a higher prevalence of acute brief psychosis in developing countries, specifically India and Nigeria, and a prominent role in the care of patients by extended family networks, especially in India. Other possible factors that contributed to a better course and outcome included higher percentages of patients married and employed and lower percentages of patients abusing alcohol and drugs in India and Nigeria. Other categories less directly tied to course and outcome were also reviewed and included cultural understandings of schizophrenia, stigma, the role of spiritual and religious healers, elements of in- and outpatient treatments, the role of religious and spiritual beliefs, and patient motivation. Implications for the treatment of schizophrenia in the United States are discussed, as well as suggestions for future research.