Traditional Healers and Mental Health Problems in Uganda

Traditional healers manage at least 80% of healthcare needs of rural inhabitants in developing countries including Uganda. At least, 40% of clients/patients of traditional healers have mental health problems. In Africa especially, evidence shows that people use both modern and traditional healing systems. However, little is known about the methods used in management of mental health problems and the type of mental health problems treated by traditional healers. The purpose of this book therefore is to describe types of methods and materials used by traditional healers in their management of mental health problems. Specifically the book describes characteristics of Traditional Healers, the treatments they use, their diagnostic work up, duration of treatment, referral system, follow-up, record keeping and their classification of mental health problems. The book has been written for a wide readership: Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Anthropologists interested in Transcultural Psychiatry, those interested in Alternative forms of treatment in mental health or anyone else in the field of mental health who considers culture as its important component.