Explanatory models of psychosis among community health workers in South India

To examine commonly held indigenous beliefs about mental illness, which often differ markedly from the biomedical models, among community health workers in rural South India.

Indigenous beliefs about chronic psychosis were elicited from community health workers. The Short Explanatory Model Interview formed the basis of the interview.

A variety of indigenous beliefs, which contradicted the biomedical model, were elicited. A significant proportion of health workers did not recognize chronic psychosis as a disease condition, believing that it was caused by black magic, evil spirits and poverty, and felt that doctors could not help.

The results of the study suggest that training programmes should elicit and discuss local beliefs prior to the teaching of the biomedical model of mental disorders.