Lexicon of cross-cultural terms in mental health

This publication is a companion volume to the Lexicon of psychiatric and mental health terms and the lexicon of alcohol and drug terms. Its purpose is to provide definitions of terms used in cross-cultural psychiatry and comparative research, and to offer a workable compromise to mental health professionals of varying ethnic, cultural and linguistic backgrounds whose understanding and usage of certain terms will necessarily differ. The terms defined in the lexicon include many that relate disorders whose prevalence or clinical manifestations may vary with cultural setting, or that describe cultural values or customs relevant to mental health, a number of very specific terms are concerned with the so-called culture-bound syndromes. Inclusion of terms is based largely on frequency of use in the literature, exhaustive coverage of all terms used in the field is beyond the scope of the publication. Drafting of the lexicon followed extensive review, debate, and consensus-building, which should ensure a lasting contribution to improved understanding and collaboration among mental health professionals throughout the world.