TRADITIONAL ZULU THEORIES OF ILLNESS IN PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	TRADITIONAL ZULU THEORIES OF ILLNESS IN PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS.
Authors:	Edwards, S. D., Grobbelaar, P. W., Makunga, N. V., Sibaya, P. T., Nene, L. M., Kunene, S. T., Magwaza, A. S.
Source:	Journal of Social Psychology. Dec1983, Vol. 121 Issue 2, p213. 9p.
Subjects:	Etiology of diseases, Developing countries, Psychiatry, Diagnosis, Schematism (Philosophy)
Geographic Terms:	South Africa
Abstract:	This research examines the relationship between a traditional Zulu and a modern international psychiatric diagnostic system. Traditional Zulu concepts of illness are based on a natural/supernatural division as found in theories of illness in underdeveloped societies throughout the world. In a retrospective study at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa, the first 100 files (29%) of Black psychiatric patients in 1980, who construed the etiology of their problems in supernatural terms are analyzed. All patients are Zulu-speaking and psychiatrically diagnosed in accordance with the WHO ICD9 diagnostic schema. Indigenous supernatural concepts of illness are categorized as magical (57%), animistic (40%), and mystical (3%). Comparisons across the two diagnostic systems are made. Compatibility between the two systems is found and some treatment implications of a clinical and social nature are advanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection

Description
Abstract:	This research examines the relationship between a traditional Zulu and a modern international psychiatric diagnostic system. Traditional Zulu concepts of illness are based on a natural/supernatural division as found in theories of illness in underdeveloped societies throughout the world. In a retrospective study at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa, the first 100 files (29%) of Black psychiatric patients in 1980, who construed the etiology of their problems in supernatural terms are analyzed. All patients are Zulu-speaking and psychiatrically diagnosed in accordance with the WHO ICD9 diagnostic schema. Indigenous supernatural concepts of illness are categorized as magical (57%), animistic (40%), and mystical (3%). Comparisons across the two diagnostic systems are made. Compatibility between the two systems is found and some treatment implications of a clinical and social nature are advanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	00224545
DOI:	10.1080/00224545.1983.9924491