Dopamine, demons or divination? The dichotomy of science and religion in traditional societies
In. Maharajh, Hari D. ; Merrick, Joav. Social and cultural psychiatry experience from the Caribbean Region. New York, Nova Science Publishers Inc, 2010. p.51-60. (Health and human development).
Monography
em En
| MedCarib
| ID: med-17513
Biblioteca responsável:
TT5
Localização: TT5; WM 30.6, S6781 2010
ABSTRACT
The presentation and interpretation of mental disorders [in] the Caribbean region is often considered to be the effect of divine interventions, demonical possession, drug abuse or defects in dopamine synthesis. Common occurrences are families, friends and priests advising the diseased person to seek help in one or all of these modalities. Thus, while increasing numbers of mentally ill persons seek treatment from western trained psychiatrists, they likewise cover all the other bases of traditional, folk and spiritual treatments. This results in a medley of healing processes which are in conflict with each other since empirical scientific findings are not in keeping with religious-driven values, which purports an ontological claim to human existence. The dichotomous relationship between science (authoritative facts) and religion (ethics and values) has caused an epistemological divide, with the consequences of reductionism, in both areas. Disturbed persons, their families and caregivers are engaged in a prolonged and expensive journey with traditional healers, priests and doctors who complicate the curative process. These practices undermine the principle of western scientific medicine, while at the same time attributing credence to magic and supernaturalism, thereby reinforcing the behavior of the patient adding mysticism to the folk practitioner.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MedCarib
Assunto principal:
Religião e Psicologia
/
Dopamina
/
Região do Caribe
Aspecto:
Ethics
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Health and human development
Ano de publicação:
2010
Tipo de documento:
Monography
País de publicação:
Estados Unidos