Worldwide more than 21 million people are affected by schizophrenia, however only half of the people living with the illness receive care for the treatable disorder. The lack of treatment to the individuals with the illness can be contributed to the cost, ability to reach the affected, and stigma and discrimination of the illness. Schizophrenia is characterized by positive and negative symptoms which include, but are not limited to hearing voices, delusions, distortions in thinking, emotions, and behavior. Of the untreated individuals with schizophrenia near 90% live within low or middle-income countries. Within different cultures, a variety of perceptions on schizophrenia can be seen, as well as the form of treatment if any.
Africa– A study conducted in 2004 looked into individuals with a family history of schizophrenia in West Africa. In that region, individuals showing symptoms of social withdrawal, restlessness, and auditory hallucinations were diagnosed ukuthwasa and individuals showing symptoms like paranoia and spontaneous behavior were diagnosed amafufunyana. In this culture, they believe the individual displaying these symptoms has been possessed by spirits who speak through the diagnosed individual. It is noted that all individuals suffering from ukuthwasa and amafufunyana may not suffer from schizophrenia or that families may prefer the diagnosis of amafufunyana than schizophrenia due to the individual not showing all symptoms of schizophrenia and the stigma of schizophrenia. Also, a study done showed individuals from Ghana were more likely to think of the voices they heard as morally good when compared to Americans.
India- A study done showed that individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia were hearing voices that involved playfulness, sex, and often God. Indians along with Africans seemed to have a personal relationship with the voices, even commands from family members were described. They are more adapt to describe their voices as providing useful guidance.
Asia- The expression of emotional pain or mental illness may not be expressed by Asians, instead they have a characteristic called stoicism, which is defined as the endurance of pain without complaint. A 1999 study suggested Asians were more likely to blame themselves for the mental illness as well as have a higher incidence of suicide. This may also be related to the lower incidence Asia has compared to other regions.
Native Americans- In this culture, mental illness, like schizophrenia, comes from the violations of taboos in the Native American culture. They may use herbalists and special activities including dancing and singing to heal the individual. In some tribes, individuals with schizophrenia may be put on a pedestal and may be thought of as having a closer connection or relationship with spirits.
Western– In the western culture, including the United States, it is common to believe schizophrenia among other mental health illnesses is caused by a biological factor, such as a chemical imbalance, history of trauma, external stressors, or a pathological process. In general, the belief is the mental illness can be treated or managed through medication given and personal efforts. However, like many mental illnesses, schizophrenia contains a negative stigma in this culture. Often times this illness is treated like something someone has control over. Another interesting difference noted in studies with individuals in the United States is that they are more likely to hear threatening and disturbing voices compared to Indians and Africans who often have a positive personal relationship with their voices. In the study, none of the US individuals had a positive experience.
Schizophrenia in Different Cultures
