The role of traditional healers in mental health care in rural India.

摘要: Abstract Surveys indicate that between thirty and forty million Indians suffer psychiatric problems serious enough to require urgent attention. However, there are only 500 psychiatrists, 400 clinical psychologists, 100 social workers provide them cosmopolitan health care. Most of the mentally ill cared for by indigenous healers. A one-year study concepts practices healers was carried out in a town western India. With population 10,000, boasts 26 which 3 MDs. 2 Vaids, Mantarwadis. 4 Patris, 14 mixed tradition called Patrimantrik. Results show patients agreement with psychiatrists diagnosis identification “serious” symptoms mental illness. exception one condition, “possession”, MDs were initially preferred patients, spite former's poor training. majority had consulted more than kind healer their problem. There no association patient's choice his age, wealth, or formal level education.