The International journal of social psychiatry
November 1, 2014
Betty E Koka, Frank P Deane, Geoffrey Cb Lyons et al.
5 citations
In Papua New Guinea, a developing country with scarce specialist mental health services, health workers report that schizophrenia and substance use disorder are the most common mental health problems among men, while depression is most common among women. Culture-bound conditions such as sorcery and spirit possession are also frequently encountered. Over 65% of patients receive psychotropic medication, more than 50% receive psychological intervention, and 28% undergo traditional treatments. Somatic symptoms are common across genders, but men tend to present with psychotic symptoms and women with mood-related problems. Culture-specific explanations and treatments are widely used.
The International journal of social psychiatry
January 1, 1979
P Buckley, M Galanter
4 citations
Altered states of consciousness appear frequently in psychotherapeutic practices across many cultures. Western psychotherapy's historical roots, from the Dionysian rites and Asclepian temples to Mesmerism and psychoanalysis, show a central role for such states. Non-Western healing rituals also employ trance states in culturally varied ways. The widespread presence of altered states in such different cultural contexts suggests they may be a universal component of psychotherapy.
The International journal of social psychiatry
June 1, 2024
Anu James Vibin, Niharika Niharika, Varun Valliappan et al.
2 citations
Adding an Integrated Yoga Module (IYM) to standard care plus yogic education on lifestyle modification (YELM) reduces depression symptoms and improves resilience and physical quality of life more than standard care plus YELM alone in adults with clinical depression. In an 8-week randomized trial at a single Indian hospital, the yoga group showed a 6.7-point greater drop on the Beck Depression Inventory and small gains in resilience and physical health, but no significant change in self-compassion or negative emotions. The findings suggest yoga as an adjunct can enhance conventional treatment for depression.
The International journal of social psychiatry
April 26, 2026
Valerio Ricci, Giovanni Martinotti, Giuseppe Maina
Distinguishing substance-induced psychotic disorders from primary psychotic disorders with substance use is diagnostically challenging. A systematic review of 36 studies covering over 80,000 individuals found that cannabis-induced psychosis typically involves prominent positive symptoms, preserved negative symptoms, and elevated affective and anxiety features, with 36% to 46% transitioning to schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Methamphetamine-induced psychosis ranges from simple persecutory delusions and tactile hallucinations in transient cases—with markedly elevated violence rates (75.6%)—to complex sensory disturbances in persistent cases. Despite substance-specific patterns, substantial overlap with primary disorders and poor diagnostic stability (25% to 39% of initial diagnoses converting to primary disorders) limit cross-sectional assessment. Superior antipsychotic response at lower doses may favor substance-induced etiology.
The International journal of social psychiatry
December 29, 2025
Zulkiflu Musa Argungu, Ali Alhaiti, Ebtesam Abdulrahman Jibreel
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) reduced depressive symptoms and rumination in adults with recurrent depression, but it did not lower the risk of relapse. In a randomized trial with 101 patients who had three or more previous episodes, those who received eight weeks of group MBCT (including meditation, psychoeducation, and discussion) showed statistically significant reductions in depressive symptoms and rumination scores compared to a control group at a two-month follow-up. However, there was no significant difference between groups in depression relapse rates. MBCT appears helpful for symptom management but not for preventing relapse in this population.
The International journal of social psychiatry
February 1, 2023
Flora Cohen
Cultural idioms of distress among displaced populations include shared injustice, spirit possession, and karma as common etiologies. Symptoms manifest as somatic complaints, 'thinking a lot', and interpersonal challenges like social isolation and fear of others. Community-level interventions—such as conflict-resolution mechanisms, reconciliation, and culturally grounded healing rituals—are proposed. Understanding these conceptualizations is vital for developing appropriate mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian aid.