3rd Edition
Aliens and Alienists Ethnic Minorities and Psychiatry
In this classic text the authors examine the links between racism, psychological ill health and inadequate treatment of ethnic minorities. Through a series of case studies they discuss:
* the psychological legacy of colonialism and slavery
* the racist bias in psychiatric and psychological theory
* diagnostic bias
* the role of religion in mental health or illness
* the value of anthropological and pschoanalytic insights.
The concluding chapter in this edition reviews the development of 'transcultural psychiatry' and summarises changes in administration of the Mental Health Act.
1 Ethnic minorities and the psychiatrist 2 Medicine and racism 3 The question of black depression 4 Mental illness among immigrants to Britain 5 A digression on diagnosis 6 The price of adaptation 7 Sick societies 8 A prelude to insanity? 9 Normal and abnormal 10 The illness as a communication 11 Some conclusions 12 The development of ‘transcultural psychiatry’ in Britain 1982–96
Biography
Roland Littlewood is Professor of Anthropology and Psychiatry at University College London. Maurice Lipsedge is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Senior Lecturer at Guy’s Hospital, London.
Comments from previous edition:
'An important exploration of the cross-cultural currents, misunderstandings and plain prejudices that riddle psychiatry and this society as well.' - New Statesman
'Beautifully written, contextually rich and eloquent.' - Journal of Operational Psychiatry
'Essential reading.' - Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
'Essential reading for all mental health workers.' - New Forum
'Essential reading for psychiatric nurses.' - Nursing Mirror
'Sensitively written and easy to read.' - The Lancet
'Mandatory reading ...for everyone working in the health and social services.' - Anthony Clare, New Society