The cultural context of anxiety disorders

Author(s): Young, A., Hayton, B. C.

Journal/Book: Psychiat Clin N Amer. 1995; 18: Independence Square West, Curtis Center, Ste 300, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3399. W B Saunders Co. 503-521.

Abstract: This article summarizes current knowledge about social and ethnocultural variations in the prevalence of anxiety disorders as well as in their symptomatology and course. Some of the substantial differences in rates found in clinical epidemiologic studies probably are related to differential patterns of help-seeking among different ethnic groups. Cultural factors play an important role in the interpretation of behaviors, that is, whether there are reasons in family or social dynamics to make biased judgments about others. Substantial differences also have been found in the symptomatology of culture-related forms of anxiety disorders with variations in content and focus, and in accompanying somatic manifestations as well. Through the case study of a woman with post-traumatic stress disorder, the social embedding and cultural meaning of anxiety in clinical practice are described, and culturally responsive strategies for diagnosis and treatment are outlined. Clinicians should be encouraged to think of innovative ways of approaching anxiety in its social and cultural context.

Note: Article LJ Kirmayer, Sir Mortimer B Davis Jewish Hosp, Inst Community & Family Psychiat, Dept Psychiat, Montreal, Pq H3T 1E4, Canada

Keyword(s): SOUTHEAST-ASIAN REFUGEES; POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER; OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER; PANIC DISORDER; SOCIAL PHOBIA; BASIC EMOTIONS; KORO EPIDEMICS; AGORAPHOBIA; PREVALENCE; DEPRESSION

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