2010 issue 1

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Volume 19, issue 1

Case report

Problems with the mental state examination of the individual from different cultural area on example of psychiatric consultation of woman from Afghanistan

Andrzej Klemens Radzikowski1, Marzena Pawlus2
1. Klinika Psychiatrii i Stresu Bojowego Wojskowego Instytutu Medycznego w Warszawie
2. Szkoła Wyższa Psychologii Społecznej w Warszawie
Postępy Psychiatrii i Neurologii 2010, 19(1): 77–80
Keywords: consultative psychiatry, ethnopsychiatry, cross-cultural psychology

Abstract

Objective. Presentation of difficulties which are encountered by consulting psychiatrist who is diagnosing a patient from different cultural circle.
Case report. About 60 years old Afghan woman who was treated from multiorgan injuries as a result of military operations. She had psychiatric consultation because of changes in her behaviour during hospitalization.
Commentary. It is required to analyze observed symptom complex in patient's sociocultural context in order to diagnose appropriately and to apply proper treatment. It is necessary to take into account professed religious principles, accepted behaviour patterns, social position of examined individual as well as nutritional habits and applied stimulants. The help of cultural adviser may turn out necessary.

Address for correspondence:
lek. Andrzej K. Radzikowski
Klinika Psychiatrii i Stresu Bojowego WIM
ul. Szaserów 128, 04-141 Warszawa
e-mail: a-k-r@gazeta.pl