Psychosis: Global Perspectives

Psychotic disorders are a significant public health challenge, with limited understanding due to research in a few countries. "Psychosis: Global Perspectives" provides a global overview, highlighting gaps and the need for diverse settings. It synthesizes research from nine countries in the Global South and North, addressing inequalities in literature and attention.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Psychotic disorders pose a significant public health challenge, with profound implications for individuals, families, and societies. Despite their substantial impact, our understanding of these conditions remains limited due to the concentration of research in a few countries, primarily in North America, Europe, and Australasia. This limited research scope, which accounts for only around 16% of the world's population, results in significant gaps in our knowledge of psychoses. Recognizing the need for a global perspective, Psychosis: Global Perspectives offers a comprehensive exploration of these disorders.

The book is divided into two parts. The first half delves into a review of the current evidence base on psychoses across the globe, encompassing various themes such as epidemiology, human rights, and treatment approaches. By highlighting commonalities and differences between different settings, the authors illustrate the gaps in our knowledge and emphasize the importance of a global perspective.

The second half of the book focuses on synthesizing existing research from nine countries in the Global South. Through detailed accounts of ongoing research programs, local treatment systems, and cultural contexts, the authors compare and contrast these findings with theory and data generated from the Global North. This comparative analysis sheds light on how social context shapes experiences of psychosis and underscores the significance of diversifying the settings in which research on psychosis is conducted.

Written in an academically rigorous yet accessible style, Psychosis: Global Perspectives addresses the substantial inequalities in literature and attention devoted to the global understanding of psychotic disorders. By bringing together experts from diverse regions and disciplines, the book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date examination of these complex conditions, offering valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners alike.

In conclusion, Psychosis: Global Perspectives is a groundbreaking work that contributes significantly to our understanding of psychotic disorders. By expanding the research scope beyond a limited number of countries and adopting a global perspective, the book fills important gaps in knowledge and highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to studying these conditions. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working in the field of mental health, and its insights will undoubtedly contribute to the development of more effective treatments and interventions for individuals affected by psychotic disorders worldwide.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198735588