International consultation and the homogenization of psychiatry in Southeast Asia

The nature of psychiatric care varies little among the capital cities of Southeast Asia. Differences that may exist are of degrees along a common dimension. Colonial forces from the past and contemporary diffusion of modern psychiatry have produced this remarkably uniform pattern of thought and treatment across divergent national and cultural boundaries. Our paper analyzes the homogenization of psychiatry in Southeast Asia in three ways. First, we examine international mental health education, consultation and collaboration as interlocking mechanisms for the transfer of psychiatric technology. Second, the indirect and undesirable consequences of the diffusion of psychiatric knowledge and practice are analyzed. Third, we pose recommendations for countering these unanticipated consequences through evaluation research, ethical guidelines, and educational and intervention practices that strengthen indigenous healing resources.