Psychosis: A Global Health Challenge and the Need for Diverse Perspectives

Psychotic disorders are a significant public health burden, associated with substantial individual, familial, and societal costs. However, our understanding of these conditions is limited due to the overwhelming majority of research being conducted in a small number of countries in North America, Europe, and Australasia, which together comprise only around 16% of the world’s population.

This geographical bias in research results in substantial gaps in our knowledge of psychoses, highlighting the need for a global perspective. The lack of diversity in research settings hinders our comprehension of the complex influences of social context on experiences of psychosis.

Global Perspectives: A New Approach to Understanding Psychoses

The book “Psychosis: Global Perspectives” addresses this critical issue by providing a comprehensive review of the current evidence base on psychoses around the world. The two-part book synthesizes existing research from nine countries in the Global South, offering detailed accounts of ongoing research programs, local treatment systems, and cultural contexts.

The authors contrast these findings with theory and data generated from the Global North, illustrating the importance of diversifying the settings in which research on psychosis is conducted. By doing so, the book highlights the significance of social context in shaping experiences of psychosis.

Academically Rigorous and Accessible

This new title is academically rigorous yet accessibly written, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers. By addressing the substantial inequalities in literature and attention in the global understanding of psychotic disorders, “Psychosis: Global Perspectives” contributes to a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of these complex conditions.

Product Details:

• Publisher: OUP Oxford
• Publication Date: October 13, 2023
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9780198735588, 9780191054488