Mental Health in Africa and the Americas Today

This comprehensive collection of papers raises fundamental questions about the future of psychiatry in a global society, which is faced with increasing stress, family disruptions, & shrinking resources. The papers collected here were presented at the first joint meeting of the African Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Association, & Black Psychiatrists of America in 1986 at Nairobi, Kenya. Written by outstanding mental health professionals from several cultures, the book emphasizes the low priority of mental health as a component of public health services. In addition, the book underscores the importance of the role of mental health services delivery as an integral part of primary health care. This is a volume of historical significance, as well as a ready-reference with professional & practical value. Mental health professionals, practitioners, & policy makers engaged in contemporary multicultural & transcultural settings will find this book to be a vivid description of mental health in African, American, & Caribbean societies -- a welcome addition to their continuing education. "African psychiatry has much to teach us in the West. The spirit & the substances of crossing borders with clinical & cultural conceptualizations, as well as our mutual experiences, are all handled very well."--Melvin Saabshin, M.D., Medical Director, American Psychiatric Association.Okpaku, Samuel O. is the author of 'Mental Health in Africa and the Americas Today' with ISBN 9780916085018 and ISBN 0916085015.