Transcultural psychiatry: from practice to theory.

Psychiatric patients of non-western origin leave treatment against the advice of their clinicians far more often than do their western counterparts. This article presents a theoretical framework for better understanding such clinical cases, developed from examples of psychiatric practice in different cultures. The theory is based on two meanings of the concept of culture, an elaboration of the universality-relativity dichotomy, and a view of the work of mental health care providers as involving three components: (1) building a trusting relationship with the patient; (2) making a diagnosis and treatment plan; and (3) carrying out treatment that is acceptable and meaningful to the patient.

Posttraumatic stress disorder with secondary psychotic features: neurobiological findings.

The neurobiological knowledge on the potentially new diagnostic entity "posttraumatic stress disorder with secondary psychotic features" (PTSD-SP) is reviewed. Studies published between 1980 and 2006 were traced focussing on adult patients suffering from this "syndrome". Studies on cortisol, corticotrophin releasing hormone, dopamine beta-hydroxylase, smooth pursuit eye movements and psychopharmacology are described and potential pathophysiological mechanisms briefly discussed.

Mental health and psychosocial support aspects in disaster preparedness: Nepal.

To improve mental health care in Nepal, a National Mental Health Policy, Strategy and Plan of Action was approved by the Government in 1997. Nepal has high vulnerability to natural disasters compounded by a prolonged violent civil conflict affecting almost all districts of the country. Floods, landslides and earthquakes are the most regularly occurring disasters in Nepal.

Mental health care reform in Afghanistan.

The mental health situation in Afghanistan is characterized by a highly felt need and an extremely incapacitated mental health care system. The new Afghan government has identified mental health as one of five health priorities. Integration of mental health into the basic health care services of Afghanistan could substantially increase the effectiveness of mental health services.