Health Issues, Essay Example

Health issues in anthropology are usually assessed based on economics, demographic and ethnical variables. From the epidemiological approach through the interpretivist and critical medical anthropology; all definitions focus on the common issues and differences based on the economy, demographic qualities and ethnic origins. Developing medicines and treatments for physical conditions is based on an approach consisting of policies, genetic and social studies. However, when assessing mental health, the importance of demographic patterns increases.

Regarding to mental health disorders, cultural factors and demography has a great impact on the outcomes and the severity of the issue. According to Jilek (2001) transcultural psychiatry is a modern approach that has proved itself to be very effective when assessing mental health inequalities. The authors define some “culture-bound” syndromes associated with different social and cultural backgrounds. While there is still an argument among different researchers whether biopsychoplogical universalism or cultural relativism should be used, plenty of studies have confirmed the effectiveness of the latter approach. According to Kurasaki et al. (2002), combining the sociological approaches of mental health issues in anthropology would result in the statement that “mental health is primarily seen to be socially and culturally constructed”. (p.51.) Various studies have been concluded by the authors measuring the effectiveness of the different approaches. The conclusion of the study states that the most effective approach is the synthesis of cultural relativism and indigenous systems. While the medical approach of mental illnesses, such as the assessment of changes in neurological patterns is crucial to study the severity of the condition, there is a need to establish and fully reveal the connection between culture, society and psychopathology.

References:

Jilek, W. (2001) Cultural Factors in Psychiatric Disorders, 26th Congress of the World Federation for Mental Health, July 2001. Online. http://www.mentalhealth.com/mag1/wolfgang.html

Kurasaki, K., Okazaki, S., Sue, S. (2002) Asian American Mental Health: Assessment Theories and Methods. Springer.