Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2013
Abstract
Understanding the way in which people seek care for mental disorders is important for planning services, training and referral mechanisms. Pathways to care fall broadly into three categories: via primary care physicians; via native healers; and via patient choice (patients can have direct access to mental health professionals). The pattern and nature of access to service in low-income countries are different from those in high-income countries. In many societies, deep-seated cultural beliefs on the part of patients and families about the causes of mental disorders are a major barrier to the receipt of modern psychiatric care.
Keywords
Pathways to care, help-seeking behaviour, mental health care, psychiatric care, mental disorders
Divisions
fac_med
Publication Title
International Psychiatry
Volume
10
Issue
2
Publisher
Royal College of Psychiatrist UK