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Mental Illness |
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Treatment in Non-Western Countries
The shaman, right, of this tribe in Mexico applies healing techniques during a ceremony. In many cultures, shamans are considered to have the power to communicate with the spirit world and to heal the sick, including people with mental illnesses. (Treatment in Non-Western Countries, Mental Illness) Most non-Western countries still lack adequate treatment facilities and services for the mentally ill. In China, with its 1.2 billion people, there are 4.5 million patients with schizophrenia, but only about 100,000 beds for the mentally ill and fewer than 10,000 psychiatrists. On the other hand, there are hundreds of thousands of traditional healers, many of whom treat mentally ill patients. Other people with mental illnesses receive treatment from general physicians. In most countries of sub-Saharan Africa, psychiatric services are so limited that most people with mental illnesses receive little if any professional care. Some developing countries, however, have begun substantial reform and expansion of mental health services. (Treatment in Non-Western Countries, Mental Illness) |
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