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Biomedical subjects

J Westermeyer

Publications and source records attributed to J Westermeyer.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1979

"Folk" criteria for the diagnosis of mental illness in rural Laos: on being insane in sane places.

"Folk" criteria for identifying the mentally ill, as distinguished from folk theories about the causes of mental illness, have been comparatively neglected in cultural psychiatry. The authors describe the criteria by which villagers in Laos labeled 35 subjects as baa (insane). Unprovoked assaultive or destructive behavior, social isolation, self-endangerment due to neglect of personal needs, nonviolent but socially disruptive or inappropriate behavior, and inability to do productive work were found to be important folk criteria. The authors emphasize that folk criteria for mental illness are determined primarily by the persistence of socially dysfunctional behavior rather than by disturbances in thought and affect.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

"Folk" explanations of mental illness in rural laos.

To obtain "folk" explanations of specific cases of mental illness the authors interviewed 35 baa(insane) Laotian individuals and their relatives and neighbors. They obtained 54 explanations; 15 focused on supernatural causes, 15 on physical causes, 14 on social problems, and 10 on psychological states. Although 31 theories (57%) focused on etiologic factors familiar to clinical psychiatrists, many self-evident factors (such as familial prevalence) were not mentioned. Except for 3 cases, responsibility for the illness was attributed to factors outside the subject's control. This view of mental illness absolves the baa person from blame and ensures support from the social group.

Brain Diseases↗
PubMed1978

Indigenous and expatriate addicts in Laos: a comparison.

Opium addiction has been reported among virtually all large ethnic groups in Asia. Conspicuous by its absence has been any mention of addiction among the Lao, a people surrounded by poppy-growing tribal groups. A sample of Lao patient-addicts are here compared to expatriate Asian addicts in Laos. Lao and expatriate addicts show marked similarity in their sociodemographic profiles and patterns of narcotic use. Some differences in their recent use of narcotic drugs appear related to the greater cash income of the expatriate Asians and their greater access to heroin. No specifically 'cultural' factors for explaining ethnic differences in addiction have yet been identified.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

An addiction treatment program in Laos: the first year's experience.

In late 1972 a treatment program for narcotic addicts was begun in Vientiane, Laos. Medical and social treatment modalities were emphasized: withdrawal from narcotic drugs, care for chronic health problems, a highly structured milieu program with explicit rules, and careful discharge planning with family counseling. Patients were accepted on a voluntary basis only. The first year's patient population were mostly married, employed, addicted to opium, and from rural areas. They comprised a diversity of ethnic groups. A smaller group of young, single, male heroin addicts (a type of addict new to Laos) also appeared in this group of patients. This treatment program proved highly acceptable to a large number of addicted people from various age groups and ethnic backgrounds. It was successfully undertaken by medical personnel who had minimal or no experience in the addiction field prior to work at this facility. Among opium addicts, twice-a-day methadone dosage for withdrawal treatment was superior to once-a-day dosage. Opium addicts required a longer detoxification regimen than did heroin addicts.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Mortality and psychosis in a peasant society.

A survey was conducted of psychotic persons in a peasant society where psychiatric services were not available. Their age distribution and duration of psychosis indicated that they had a reduced longevity as compared to the general population. Intensive study of six fatal and near fatal cases suggested that violence and infection accounted for their early demise. Those with organic psychosis appeared to have a greater mortality than those with functional psychosis. As our social policies toward the mentally ill change, these findings may have applicability in our own society.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

An assessment of hospital care for the alcoholic patient.

Current medical practice, vis-à-vis chemical dependency, was assessed in a university hospital setting. Findings indicate that the majority of physicians and nurses at this facility (1) did not take adequate alcohol and drug use histories, (2) did not identify chemical dependency as a medical problem even when they knew dependency was present, and (3) did not involve themselves in treatment or treatment recommendations even when the problem was identified.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Violence and mental illness in a peasant society: characteristics of violent behaviours and 'Folk' use of restraints.

Thirty-five people labelled as baa (crazy or insane) were studied in Laos--a country without psychiatrists or psychiatric institutions. Informant information was obtained for violence prior to becoming baa, violence during the course of their baa condition, and violence during the seven days prior to interview. Observation for violence was made for a one day period at the time of the interview. Use of restraints was also assessed. Subjects were significantly more apt to have assaulted others, posed a risk to themselves, and been restrained (although not incarcerated) during their baa condition as compared to their previous state. Those in early stages of their condition (two years or less) manifested more violence than those later in their condition. 'Folk' use of restraints was applied only after dangerous or violent behaviour had occurred. Restraints were released as soon as practicable, but there was an 'ascending' use of certain restraint measures if violence persisted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Chemical dependency education within medical schools: supervised clinical experience.

Physicians can play a significant role in chemical dependency, including early identification and intervention, referral to treatment resources, patient and community education, and responsible prescribing practices. Some medical schools have begun to provide instruction in the psychology, pharmacology, and physical pathology of chemical dependency; yet surveys indicate that few offer supervised clinical experience with chemically dependent patients. At the University of Minnesota Medical School, chemical dependency treatment centers are used to provide supervised clinical tutorials for all second year students as part of a coordinated chemical dependency curriculum. The authors describe the development, goals, organization, instructional approaches, and assessment of these tutorials. It is argued that chemical dependency treatment centers are a valuable resource in the education of medical students, as well as other professionls, if used with a view to their assets and limitations.

Community Mental Health Centers↗