Manifestation, Attribution, and Coping With Depression Among Asian Indians From the Perspectives of Health Care Practitioners

Abstract

The study explores cultural influences on depression and care outcomes among Asian Indians with depression. Data were collected from interviews of 23 multidisciplinary mental health professionals and retrospective review of 20 medical records of patients. Findings revealed a major influence of social and cultural context in expression of symptoms, illness attribution, help-seeking behaviors, and communication patterns. Religious beliefs and social stigma attached to mental illness contributed to prolonged denial of condition, difficulty in sharing emotional problems with professional caregivers, and delayed professional intervention. The traditional family hierarchy rooted in age and gender inequality interfered with help-seeking behaviors and adherence to prescribed regimen as well as heightened some family conflicts and hindered family adaptation after migration to the United States.

Predictors of Depression in Aging South Asian Canadians

“…This further emphasises the fact that this group mostly complains in somatic terms. For instance, expressing mental distress in any form of pain is quite common among this group (Conrad and Pacquiao 2005) or terms like 'sinking heart' are commonly used (Krause 1989). Wilson and MacCarthy (1994) found that even when psychological complaints are made, the majority of times South Asian patients will receive physical rather than a psychological diagnosis.…”

“…As a result, support is often sought from the extended family, which frequently leads to the use of traditional forms of treatment, such as prayers, rituals, faith healing, and folk remedies (Chandarana and Pellizzari 2001;Dein and Sembhi 2001). In South Asian culture, mental illness is not only confined to the individual that is affected, it also brings shame and dishonour to the entire family (Chandarana and Pellizzari 2001;Conrad and Pacquiao 2005). This factor plays a significant role because of the system of arranged marriage (Chandarana and Pellizzari 2001;Qurashi 1988).…”

Depression after traumatic brain injury: A biopsychosocial cultural perspective

“…Physical and mental deficits are thought to be God's will or past karma. These factors may add to the delay in seeking professional help (Tavkar et al, 2008;Conrad and Pacquiao, 2005). While the above factors may influence the development of certain psychiatric disorders, one could argue that this collectivism and belief in moral and religious principles might also protect the South Asian patient from the sequelae of severe mental illness, namely suicide.…”

Level of paranormal beliefs and its relationship with explanatory models, treatment adherence and satisfaction

“…religious, supernatural) while MEMQ explains both personalistic and naturalistic causes (situations, psychobiological). Indians attribute more of a personalistic cause such as God's will, supernatural force and astrological cause for suffering or problems 28 . Prevalent astrological beliefs such as Shani (Saturn), Rahu (the ascending node of the moon) and Ketu (descending node of the Moon) is often believed to determine good or bad happening in daily life.…”