Perceptions of mental illness amongst South African Muslim psychiatrists (original) (raw)
Background: Western definitions of and approaches to mental illness are critiqued for the lack of incorporation of cultural and spiritual elements. Objective: Therefore this study explored perceptions of mental illness particularly in terms of the role of Islam in understanding mental illness amongst South African Muslim psychiatrists’ practicing in Johannesburg. Methods: Using a qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of seven Muslim psychiatrists in the Johannesburg area. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the transcribed data. Results: Psychiatrists subscribe to a more biomedical model of illness. The findings of this study also suggest that psychiatrists attempt to remain objective and to not impose their religious and cultural beliefs on their patients. However, their conceptualisation of mental illness is influenced by their religion and culture. Furthermore, all the participating psychiatrists indicated that they always drew on Islamic values when treating their patients. Issues of cultural competence were also highlighted. Psychiatrists indicated that they were open to collaboration with traditional healers and psychologists but this was quite challenging. Conclusion: The necessity for formal bodies to develop routes for collaboration between healthcare professionals and traditional healers was brought to the fore. So too was the need to incorporate indigenous theory and knowledge into mainstream definitions and approaches to mental illness.
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