Mental health concepts in Southeast Asia: Diagnostic considerations and treatment implications

Abstract

Despite a dramatic growth of Asian communities in North America, the cultural norms, values, and practices of Asians are generally unknown in the professional community, posing a significant challenge in diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems. This article addresses the major mental health concepts prevalent among Southeast Asians and outlines the essential steps that the mainstream clinicians should take in dealing with this minority population. The five areas of cultural formulations outlined in the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) Text Revision (2000) (4th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association) are highlighted and implications for mental health practice and research addressed.