Aliens and Alienists: Ethnic Minorities and Psychiatry

by Maurice Lipsedge, Roland Littlewood

Overview

In this classic text the authors examine the links between racism, psychological ill health and inadequate treatment of ethnic minorities. Through a series of case studies they discuss:
* the psychological legacy of colonialism and slavery
* the racist bias in psychiatric and psychological theory
* diagnostic bias
* the role of religion in mental health or illness
* the value of anthropological and pschoanalytic insights.
The concluding chapter in this edition reviews the development of 'transcultural psychiatry' and summarises changes in administration of the Mental Health Act.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415157254
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/10/1997
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Roland Littlewood is Professor of Anthropology and Psychiatry at University College London. Maurice Lipsedge is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Senior Lecturer at Guy’s Hospital, London.

Table of Contents

1 Ethnic minorities and the psychiatrist 2 Medicine and racism 3 The question of black depression 4 Mental illness among immigrants to Britain 5 A digression on diagnosis 6 The price of adaptation 7 Sick societies 8 A prelude to insanity? 9 Normal and abnormal 10 The illness as a communication 11 Some conclusions 12 The development of ‘transcultural psychiatry’ in Britain 1982–96

Editorial Reviews

Comments from previous edition:

'An important exploration of the cross-cultural currents, misunderstandings and plain prejudices that riddle psychiatry and this society as well.' - New Statesman

'Beautifully written, contextually rich and eloquent.' - Journal of Operational Psychiatry

'Essential reading.' - Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine

'Essential reading for all mental health workers.' - New Forum

'Essential reading for psychiatric nurses.' - Nursing Mirror

'Sensitively written and easy to read.' - The Lancet

'Mandatory reading ...for everyone working in the health and social services.' - Anthony Clare, New Society

From the Publisher