Showing papers in "International Journal of Social Psychiatry in 2007"

Recovery from mental illness as an emergent concept and practice in Australia and the UK.

Abstract: The language of recovery is now widely used in mental health policy, services, and research. Yet the term has disparate antecedents, and is used in a variety of ways. Some of the history of the use of the term recovery is surveyed, with particular attention to the new meaning of the term, especially as identified by service users, supported and taken up to various degrees by research and in the professional literature. Policy and practice in two countries – Australia and the United Kingdom – are examined to determine the manner and extent to which the concept of recovery is evident. In its new meaning, the concept of recovery has the potential to bring about profound and needed changes in mental health theory and practice. It is being taken up differently in different settings. It is clear that – at least in Australia and the United Kingdom – there are promising new recovery models and practices that support recovery, but the widespread use of recovery language is not enough to ensure that the core princi...

The Harvard trauma questionnaire: adapting a cross-cultural instrument for measuring torture, trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder in Iraqi refugees.

Abstract: Background: Mental health assessments in post-conflict zones have relied heavily on Western psychiatric scales. Yet, a strict dependence on the paradigms of Western psychiatry risks inappropriately...

Measuring Self-Stigma of Mental Illness in China and Its Implications for Recovery

Abstract: This study translated and validated the Chinese Version of the Self-stigma of Mental Illness Scale (CSSMIS), which may be used to measure self-stigma of mental health consumers in China. We also examined its correlation with self-esteem, self-efficacy and psychosocial treatment compliance. A cross-sectional observational study was implemented. Some 51 males and 57 females who suffered from severe mental illness were recruited from psychiatric settings in Hong Kong. They were required to complete the Chinese Version of the Self-stigma of Mental Illness Scale, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and the Self-efficacy Scale. Their level of compliance during psychosocial treatment and their demographic information were recorded by their case managers. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two homologous factors for the four subscales of the CSSMIS. Factor 1 was related to the negative beliefs and consequences of having mental disorders, whereas Factor 2 was related to positive beliefs. The perceived stigma subscale and the three self-stigma subscales were strongly inter-correlated. Significant correlations were also found between almost all subscales of the CSSMIS and the remaining scales. The psychometric properties of the CSSMIS are statistically acceptable. The results also suggest that stigma played a detrimental role in undermining self-esteem, self-efficacy and psychosocial treatment compliance. Implications for recovery of mental health consumers are discussed.

Factors influencing attitudes towards seeking professional help among East and Southeast Asian immigrant and refugee women.

Abstract: Background and aims: It has been recognized that Asian immigrants in North America have lower rates of mental health service utilization. From the perspective of cross-cultural psychiatry, one of the most important cultural factors may be differences in the explanatory model of illness. This article examines the relationship of causal beliefs, perceived service accessibility and attitudes towards seeking mental health care.Method: The sample consisted of 1000 immigrant and refugee women from five ethnic minority communities in Toronto, including three Chinese Canadian communities (Hong Kong, mainland China and Taiwan), Korean Canadians and Vietnamese Canadians. Data were acquired by a self-administered structured questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed using MANOVA, ANOVA and stepwise multiple regression.Results: The five ethnic minority groups of women differed in their explanatory models about mental illness and distress. In the full model where other variables were controlled for, the most signi...

The mental health expert patient: findings from a pilot study of a generic chronic condition self-management programme for people with mental illness

Abstract: Background: Less than optimal outcomes and escalating costs for chronic conditions including mental illness have prompted calls for innovative approaches to chronic illness management.Aims: This study aimed to test the feasibility and utility of combining a generic, clinician administered and peer-led self-management group approach for people with serious mental illness.Method: General practitioners and mental health case managers used a patient centred care model (the Flinders model) to assist 38 patients with serious mental illness to identify their self-management needs, and match these with interventions including Stanford peer-led, self-management groups and one-to-one peer support. Self-management and quality of life outcomes were measured and qualitative evaluation elicited feedback from all participants.Results: Collaborative care planning, combined with a problems and goals focused approach, resulted in improved self-management and mental functioning at 3 to 6 months follow-up. The Stanford self-...

Burnout and Job Satisfaction in New Zealand Psychiatrists: a National Study:

Abstract: Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of burnout and the level of job satisfaction among New Zealand psychiatrists, and to ascertain relationships between socio-demographic variables, job satisfac...

Stigma and explanatory models among people with schizophrenia and their relatives in Vellore, south India.

Abstract: Background: Stigma associated with mental illness affects patients and their families. Diverse beliefs about the cause and treatment of schizophrenia are common among patients and their relatives.Aim: To study the association between stigma and beliefs about illness in patients and their relatives.Method: Standard instruments were used to assess beliefs about illness and about stigma among patients with schizophrenia and relatives in Vellore, south India.Results: The majority of the patients and their relatives simultaneously held multiple and contradictory models of illness and its treatment. Stigma among patients with schizophrenia and their relatives is associated with specific beliefs about causes of mental illness.Conclusions: Beliefs may play a role in mitigating or may aggravate the effects of stigma. The cross-sectional study design precludes definitive conclusions on direction of the causal association.

Beliefs and Community Responses to Mental Illness in Ghana: The Experiences of Family Carers

Abstract: Background: There is often a lack of agreement on how to understand mental illness in low-income countries and support those experiencing it. This article explores the debate on beliefs and the implications for how society responds. Material: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 80 family carers across four sites in Ghana to explore the themes of beliefs, attitudes, carer burden and support. Discussion and conclusions: There appears to be greater reliance on culturally specific explanations of mental illness in rural areas, combined with more acceptance and support, particularly in one rural area with strong traditional belief systems. This suggests the need to develop integrated mental health services, which reflect these differing beliefs.

Social Network Among People With Persistent Mental Illness: Associations With Sociodemographic, Clinical and Health-Related Factors

Abstract: Background: Social interaction is crucial for whether a person will successfully accomplish important life tasks. Aim and method: This study investigated the importance of sociodemographic, clinical and self-perceived health-related factors for social interaction among 103 individuals with persistent mental illness, mainly psychoses, visiting an outpatient unit. Results: Bivariate analyses pointed to several relationships, especially between the health-related variables and both quantitative and qualitative aspects of the social network. In multivariate analyses, higher levels of quality of life, self-esteem, being a cohabitant, and living in a house were related to higher ratings on different aspects of the social network. Older age was associated with fewer close relationships but more adequate social integration. Conclusions: The social network appeared to be a function of both self -perceptions and sociodemographic influences. The influence is probably dynamic and, for example, just as a better quality of life may lead to more social interaction, a more developed social network probably promotes better quality of life. Therefore, interventions in mental health care that target social interaction constitute a powerful resource and should be part of the support for people with severe and persistent mental illness.

Adverse incidents, patient flow and nursing workforce variables on acute psychiatric wards: the Tompkins Acute Ward Study.

Abstract: Background: Adverse incidents (violence, self-harm and absconding) can cause significant harm to patients and staff, are difficult to predict, and are driving an increase in security measures and defensive practice. Aims: To explore the relationship between adverse incidents on acute psychiatric wards, admissions and nursing workforce variables. Methods: A retrospective analysis of officially collected data covering a period of 30 months on 14 acute wards at three hospitals. This data included 69 serious untoward incidents. Results: Adverse incidents were more likely during and after weeks of high numbers of male admissions, during weeks when other incidents also occurred, and during weeks of high regular staff absence through leave and vacancy. Conclusions: It may be possible to predict adverse incidents. Careful staff management and deployment may reduce the risks.

The Camden Schizophrenia Surveys. III: Five-year outcome of a sample of individuals from a prevalence survey and the importance of social relationships.

Abstract: Background: Most studies of outcome in schizophrenia have focused on incidence cohorts or samples identified through specialist mental health services; population-based samples provide a more complete picture of the effectiveness of community services.Aims: To examine whether outcome predictors, derived from studies of selected patients with prolonged schizophrenia, would emerge in a largely community-dwelling population sample.Methods: A follow-up sample of 114 adults with schizophrenia was identified via two censuses of key informants conducted for two prevalence surveys in North London, five years apart. Symptomatic, clinical and functional outcomes were assessed after five years. A composite score was derived for each individual. Multiple Linear Regression analyses were conducted in two phases to derive a best subset of predictors for global outcome.Results: After five years, 33% were worse and 62% were better overall. The four best predictors (social isolation, living apart from relatives, longer ill...

How children stigmatize people with mental illness.

Abstract: Many advocates have called for more anti-stigma programs targeting the attitudes of children towards people with mental illness as a way to forestall subsequent prejudice and discrimination as they age and develop. In order to better understand how children stigmatize people with mental illness, we reviewed the substantial literature on social cognitive development and ethnic prejudice. This literature suggests a curvilinear relationship. Children as young as three show some endorsement of stereotypes about people of color, which slowly increases and seems to peak around age five to six. Older children, interestingly, show lower rates of ethnic prejudice. Differences between mental illness and ethnicity-related stigma may influence the form of this relationship and we provide some hypotheses representing this difference. We then summarize the literature on stigma change, focusing on how specific strategies interact with what is known about social cognitive development and prejudice. Strategies that are reviewed include education, contact, social cognitive skills training, role play for empathy, peer interaction, protest and consequences. Implications for continued research in this area are highlighted throughout the article.

Psychological Distress in Caretakers or Relatives of Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder

Abstract: Background and aims: Caregivers or relatives of mental patients often show increased levels of psychological distress. This study investigated whether this is also the case for caregivers of patients with borderline personality disorder. Methods: The Symptom Check List (SCL-90) was administered to 64 Dutch volunteers, who were either biologically related (parents or siblings) or biologically unrelated caregivers (partners or friends) of patients with borderline personality disorder. Results: The group of caregivers as a whole scored higher on all symptom dimensions of the SCL-90 than the general population. When controlling for caregiver sex and age, as well as for patient sex, there were no significant differences between the biologically related and unrelated caregiver groups on any dimension. Conclusions: The results are in line with findings concerning distress in caregivers of patients suffering from personality disorders in general, posttraumatic stress disorder or schizophrenia. The mechanism behind the increased levels of distress in our sample is not clear, however. Either exposure to the problematic behaviour of the patient, selective mating or a combination of both might have been responsible for the effect.

Nonlinear Relationship Between Length of Residence and Depression in a Community-Based Sample of Vietnamese Americans

Abstract: Background: Length of residence has been viewed as an indicator of acculturation among immigrants and refugees in their host society. This study aims to test an inverted U relationship between length of residence and depression in a community-based sample of Vietnamese Americans.Methods: Data were collected from a community-based survey of adult Vietnamese Americans living in an East Coast metropolitan area consisting of 349 respondents aged 18 and older. However, due to missing data, the actual sample in our regression analysis using listwise deletion method is 311. Among the participants, 52.1% are female (n = 182), and 47.9% are male (n = 167). The age of the respondents ranges from 18 to 73 years with the average age being 38.76 (SD = 13.76). The average number of years that the participants lived within the United States was 7.01 years (SD = 5.22).Results: Findings from a polynomial regression analysis support the hypothesis that depression levels tend to be high during the first decade of initial re...

A Qualitative Study of Patients' Perceptions of a ‘Minimal’ Psychological Therapy:

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Access to psychological therapy is often difficult. Problems with access may be overcome through 'minimal interventions' (such as books and computer programs), which encourage self-help for mental health problems and are less dependent on the availability of specialist therapists. However, to be effective, such interventions must be acceptable to patients. AIMS: To use qualitative methods to explore patient attitudes, by examining patient expectancies of psychological therapy and their experiences with a 'minimal intervention' (guided self-help). METHODS: Qualitative interviews (N = 24) were conducted with patients after they had received guided self-help for depression as part of a randomised controlled trial. RESULTS: There were important gaps between patients' expectancies of psychological therapy and their experience of the guided self-help. These gaps related to the process of therapy (e.g. time, professional expertise) and outcomes. Particularly salient was a theme relating to explanatory models. Patients were often seeking insight into the 'cause' of their current difficulties, whereas the minimal intervention was largely focused on symptom resolution. CONCLUSIONS: The effective implementation of 'minimal interventions' requires an understanding of the expectancies of patients concerning psychological therapy, in order to provide a basis for effective communication and negotiation between professionals and patients.

Acculturation and mental health among ghanaians in The Netherlands.

Abstract: Background: The current literature on the relationship between cultural adaptation and mental health is premature to offer a comprehensive explanation about the ways acculturation exerts either positive or adverse effects on the mental health of migrants.Aim: This study is an empirical approach towards understanding the magnitude of the relationship between consequences of cultural adaptation and psychological distress.Methods: Two samples of Ghanaian migrants in the Netherlands were included: a clinical group ( n = 36) and a non-clinical community group (n = 97). Data were acquired by administering a semi-structured interview. Quantified data were analysed using multivariate techniques.Results: Contradictory to our hypotheses, the reported level of mental health symptoms in both groups was relatively low, suggesting a substantial resilience among the Ghanaian group. Confirming our hypotheses, specific dimensions of the acculturation process were associated with health status, particularly affiliation wit...

Relationships between Social Functioning and Quality of Life in a Population of Dutch Adult Psychiatric Outpatients

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The relationship between social functioning and QOL in psychiatric patients has not been explicitly investigated before. AIMS: To investigate the relationship between social functioning and QOL in a population of psychiatric outpatients (N = 410) with a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders. METHOD: Social functioning was assessed with the Groningen Social Behavior Questionnaire-100 (GSBQ-100) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. QOL was measured with the WHO Quality of Life Assessment Instrument (WHOQOL-100). RESULTS: The study population experienced a wide range of problems concerning all aspects of social functioning. The numbers of problems were significantly higher compared with healthy controls and (partly) also compared with a norm group of psychiatric outpatients. Almost all scales of the GSBQ-100 were negatively correlated with all QOL aspects, whereas the GAF score correlated positively with all QOL aspects. In general, participants with problems on aspects of social functioning had lower QOL scores than those without such problems, even after a correction for the presence of psychopathology according to DSM-IV classification. CONCLUSION: In addition to the presence of psychopathology, social functioning is significantly related to QOL. Therefore, it should be considered more systematically in psychiatric assessment, treatment and program evaluation.

A Western Australian survey on public attitudes toward and knowledge of electroconvulsive therapy.

Abstract: Aims: Healthcare professionals have debated the use and effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for more than 65 years. Yet, knowledge about, and attitudes towards, ECT have not been thoroughly researched within the Australian community. This study focused on a Western Australian perspective on these issues. Method: The objectives were achieved with specifically developed questionnaires. Six hundred surveys were distributed across the metropolitan area of Perth, Australia. Results: A total of 379 completed questionnaires indicated that more than 60% of respondents had some knowledge about the main aspects of ECT. Participants were generally opposed to the use of ECT on individuals with psychosocial issues, on children and on involuntary patients. Public perceptions of ECT were also found to be mainly negative. Conclusion: The findings suggest that clinicians should ensure that individuals recommended for ECT are knowledgeable about basic ECT processes and implications in order to ensure their full informed consent.

Correspondence: Compulsive Buying - A Culture Bound Disorder?

Abstract: e term compulsive buying has been in use since the late eighties. Prior to that, termingies such as compulsive shopping, oniomania and addictive buying had been applied cribing this behavior. The earlier literature on the subject essentially refers to compulsive ying as a consumer behavior (d’Astous, 1990; Valence et al., 1988). ince the diagnostic criteria was proposed (McElroy et al., 1994) there has been a slow but nite push towards the characterization of this behavior as a disorder. The DSM-IV gests that presentations conforming to major psychiatric categories can be found throught the world whereas culture bound syndromes are limited to particular societies (American chiatric Association, 1994). This paradigm would classify compulsive buying disorder as a ture bound disorder limited to affluent western societies. Compulsive buying disorder as a iversal affliction has a limited face validity if we take into account the fact that 40% of the rld’s population live on less than two US dollars a day (United Nations Development Promme Annual Report, 2006). It is difficult to conceptualize this disorder in the absence of nificant disposable income. his is not to suggest that there is no validity to the concept of people indulging in excessive ying. There is a large amount of evidence to support the existence of compulsive buying avior in certain societies. However, nearly all of these studies have been done in the develed countries. The only cross cultural comparison that the author could find was done ween developed countries (Kwak et al., 2004). here has been some debate as to whether compulsive buying is an independent disorder in own right or a manifestation of some other underlying psychiatric disorder such as major ressive disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (Lejoyeux et al., 1997, 2005). In either e the problem is limited to more opulent societies. ultural underpinnings of psychiatric disorders have not received the kind of emphasis y deserve. The general understanding of a cultural disorder is that of a foreign phenomn which occurs in isolated communities in remote parts of the world. The relegation of se syndromes to one of the last appendices of DSM-IV highlights the relative lack of phasis that cross cultural issues receive in the current academic climate. urther research on compulsive buying behavior is definitely warranted but if done in the io-economic and cultural context, it might yield more valid results.

The contributions of culture and ethnicity to New Zealand mental health research findings.

Abstract: Background & material: In the last five years a number of studies have been conducted in specialist psychiatric and primary care populations in New Zealand which have allowed comparisons in terms of clinical phenomena and therapeutic experiences between Mâori (the indigenous people of New Zealand) and non-Mâori. These studies were reviewed in terms of the methodology used, their major findings and their implications.Discussion: In specialist psychiatric services Mâori were more likely to present with hallucinations and/or aggression and less likely to present with depression and/or episodes of self-harm. They were overly represented in those with schizophrenia. Mâori were more likely to be involved in acts of aggression and to be secluded, and an equivalent episode of care for Mâori appeared to be significantly more costly than for non Mâori. Other studies, conducted in prison and community-based samples, suggested that Mâori were less likely to access care and, when given a diagnosis of depression, less ...

Chinese-Australians' knowledge of depression and schizophrenia in the context of their under-utilization of mental health care: an analysis of labelling.

Abstract: Background: Low knowledge of and discrimination regarding mental disorders (MDs) may underpin lower access to mental health care by ethnic minority groupsAims: In Chinese-Australians, in relation to schizophrenia and depression, to assess (a) labels attached to MDs, (b) conceptual distinctiveness of MDs, (c) labelling accuracy against an Australian representative sample, (d) how syndrome variations may influence labelling, and (e) effects of exposure to MDs on labellingMethod: 418 subjects were asked to indicate the labels they would apply to vignettes of depression and schizophrenia and whether they were exposed to these disorders personally or sociallyResults: The sample was broadly representative of the Australian-Chinese community: 51% and 47% `correctly' labelled the vignettes Depression and schizophrenia labels were consistently discriminated and clustered with different other labels Labelling accuracy surpassed Australians' Labelling did not vary substantially between syndromes Exposure rela

Analyzing vocational outcomes of individuals with psychiatric disabilities who received state vocational rehabilitation services: a data mining approach.

Abstract: This study examines factors affecting vocational outcomes in the vocational rehabilitation process for individuals experiencing psychiatric disabilities who had received state vocational rehabilitation (VR) services. A data mining approach was used to analyze the Rehabilitation Services Administration FY 2001 Case Service Report (RSA-911). Receiving job placement services was found to be the most important variable differentiating individuals who were working from those who were not working. Results regarding vocational outcomes suggest a positive effect for persons receiving job placement services.

Association of eating attitudes between teenage girls and their parents.

Abstract: Background: Mothers of eating disordered adolescents were more likely to have an eating disorder. However, some contradictory findings were reported because some studies failed to find this association.Aims: The main objective of the study was to determine the association of eating attitudes in adolescent girls with eating attitudes in their parents.Methods: A sample of 969 girls from Osona County (Barcelona, Spain) and their parents participated in the study. Girls completed the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and their weight and height were measured. Parents completed questionnaire with self-reported weight and height, demographic characteristics and EAT-26.Results: 10.1% of girls showed high EAT-26 scores (> 20 points), indicating abnormal eating attitudes. Female adolescents were almost three times more likely to have abnormal eating attitudes if their mothers scored high on EAT-26 (OR = 2.8; 95% CI 1.5—5.2). Other significant predictors of high EAT-26 scores were age and obesity.Conclusions: An abnor...

Changes in social network diversity and perceived social support after psychiatric hospitalization: results from a longitudinal study.

Abstract: Background: There is a large empirical basis for the importance of social networks and support for people with a mental illness. However, only a few studies have eXamined the predictors, changes and correlations of these constructs within a longitudinal framework.Aim: To analyze changes in social network diversity as measured by the number of social roles and perceived social support over the course of three years after a psychiatric hospitalization while controlling for sociodemographic and clinical variables. A further aim was to inquire whether some social roles are perceived as being more supportive than others.Method: Random coefficient models were applied to the data of a longitudinal study on the life circumstances of people with affective disorders or schizophrenia (N = 183).Results: The majority of participants had relatives, friends and co-workers, while a markedly smaller proportion had a spouse/partner or children. Social network diversity increased during the time period observed while the pe...

Prevalence Of Depression And Correlates Of Depressive Symptoms For Residents In The Urban Part Of Jeju Island, Korea

Abstract: Aims: This study examined the prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms, and the correlates of depressive symptoms, and proposes some methods for reducing risk of depression in residents of ...

The needs of parents with a mental illness who have young children: an Australian perspective on service delivery options.

Abstract: Background and aims: This article discusses a collaborative approach to assisting parents with a mental illness who have children aged 5 years and under and explores themes found in the literature, focus groups with consumers and workshops with clinicians working with parents who have a mental illness.Method: Focus groups and workshops were held for consumers and clinicians. The workshops included information about a proposed group intervention and discussions about themes found in the literature review and previous focus groups.Results: Using thematic analysis, the gaps identified in the focus groups and workshops were classified into five main categories — namely, interagency collaboration, a need for accessible support groups, a need for information and resources about mental illness, and parenting issues related to mental illness and independence. This information informed the development of a treatment package.Conclusion: The content of the proposed treatment package has been informed by the findings...

Civil conflict in Northern Ireland and the prevalence of psychiatric disturbance across the United Kingdom: a population study using the British household panel survey and the Northern Ireland household panel survey.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: To date, no large-scale cross-comparative study of psychiatric morbidity in the United Kingdom has been carried out until recently when the Northern Ireland Household Panel Survey (NIHPS) included the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) in 2001. The GHQ-12 has been included in the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) since 1991 for England and since 1999 for both Scotland and Wales. The purpose of this article is to compare rates of psychiatric morbidity across the United Kingdom, given that one region in particular, Northern Ireland, has experienced political conflict and civil strife for more than 35 years. AIMS: To assess the impact of low-intensity warfare on rates of psychiatric morbidity in Northern Ireland and to compare these with psychiatric morbidity rates across England, Scotland and Wales. METHOD: The sample consisted of 17,343 respondents completing the GHQ-12 across the United Kingdom. In England, 8286 respondents completed the GHQ-12 while 2729, 3165 and 3163 respondents from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland completed the GHQ-12 respectively. Results were then weighted according to population size. RESULTS: Rates of psychiatric morbidity varied across each UK region. Wales had the highest mean GHQ-12 score (11.54), followed by Northern Ireland (11.41). English respondents had the lowest mean score (11.02). The difference in mean scores across the four regions in the UK was statistically significant (F= 5.04, df = 3, p Language: en

Case management for individuals with a severe mental illness: a 6-year follow-up study.

Abstract: Background: As a part of a set of reforms launched in 1995, 10 pilot case management services were established in Sweden, which have been subject to an evaluation with regard to outcome and changes in use of services. The present study was designed to provide information about client outcomes over a 6-year follow-up period. Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate changes during the follow-up period with regard to symptoms, needs for care, psychosocial functioning, quality of life and social network. Methods: The study used a time series design with 6-year follow-up of client outcomes. Results: Of the original 176 clients, 92 clients participated in the 6-year follow-up. Improvements were found in a number of clinical aspects, quality of life and social network, and a decrease in use of psychiatric services during the follow-up period. Conclusions: The findings support results from earlier studies showing a decrease in use of psychiatric services and sustained improvements in social functioning. The study also supports the findings that client outcomes change over time and that certain outcomes do not appear in a short-term perspective.

Young People's Recognition and Understanding of Schizophrenia: a Cross-Cultural Study of Young People From Britain and Nigeria:

Abstract: Aim: This cross-cultural study set out to compare the beliefs about the manifestations, causes and treatment of schizophrenia in a similar sample of 95 Nigerian and 76 British (western control) young people in their respective countries.Method: Participants completed a three-part questionnaire that was based on Furnham & Chan (2004) with additional questions.Results: Results revealed differences between the two groups regarding the `normality' of behaviours associated with schizophrenia. Other than hallucinations, all the behaviours described were considered to be manifestations of schizophrenia more so by the Nigerians than the British. The Nigerians were found not only to agree with supernatural explanations for causes of schizophrenia, as was predicted, but also favoured biological (genetics, neurochemical changes, and brain damage) and sociological explanations more so than the British. Both cultural groups favoured orthodox psychiatric practices and supportive environments as treatments for schizophr...