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Perception of Mental Illness: Preliminary Exploratory Research At a Cross-Cultural Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic

Author

Listed:
  • Soma Ganesan

    (Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Department of Psychiatry, Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia Hospital; Vancouver BC, Canada, soma.ganesan@vch.ca)

  • Hiram Mok

    (Dept of Psychiatry University of British Columbia, Psychiatry Outpatient Program, Vancouver General Hospital; Vancouver BC, Canada)

  • Mario McKenna

    (Psychiatry Administration, Health Centre, Vancouver General Hospital; Vancouver BC, Canada)

Abstract

This descriptive study presented an overview of culturally sensitive mental health services and potential barriers for immigrant Canadians. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and administered to 173 patients who attended a large cross-cultural psychiatry outpatient clinic in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Results indicated that only 21% of patients were able to state their diagnosis or were able to describe the symptoms of their diagnosis that met the DSM-IV criteria given by a psychiatrist. Examination of patient ethnicity showed that more South Asian (25%) or Southeast Asian (24%) patients had more diagnoses of anxiety disorder in comparison to other ethnic groups. Refugees characterized mental illness in terms of stress or stress-related factors (30%) in comparison to non-refugees (13%). There was a greater preference in women, when compared to men, to prefer the term ‘client’ versus ‘patient’. These results elucidate the importance of cultural and systemic barriers for immigrant Canadians. The need for appropriate service delivery is discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Soma Ganesan & Hiram Mok & Mario McKenna, 2011. "Perception of Mental Illness: Preliminary Exploratory Research At a Cross-Cultural Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 57(1), pages 81-89, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:57:y:2011:i:1:p:81-89
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764009104286
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sleath, Betsy & Tina Shih, Ya-Chen, 2003. "Sociological influences on antidepressant prescribing," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 56(6), pages 1335-1344, March.
    2. Abe-Kim, J. & Takeuchi, D.T. & Hong, S. & Zane, N. & Sue, S. & Spencer, M.S. & Appel, H. & Nicdao, E. & Alegría, M., 2007. "Use of mental health-related services among immigrant and US-born Asian Americans: Results from the National Latino and Asian American Study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(1), pages 91-98.
    3. Mireille Laroche, 2000. "Health Status and Health Services Utilization of Canada's Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Populations," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 26(1), pages 51-75, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Usha George & Mary S. Thomson & Ferzana Chaze & Sepali Guruge, 2015. "Immigrant Mental Health, A Public Health Issue: Looking Back and Moving Forward," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-25, October.

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