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Subcultural Delusions and Hallucinations Comments on the Present State Examination in a Multi-Cultural Context

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

L. Swartz
Affiliation:
MRC Clinical Psychiatry Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, OBSERVATORY 7925, Rebublic of South Africa
O. Ben-Arie*
Affiliation:
MRC Clinical Psychiatry Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, OBSERVATORY 7925, Rebublic of South Africa
A. F. Teggin
Affiliation:
MRC Clinical Psychiatry Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, OBSERVATORY 7925, Rebublic of South Africa
*
Correspondence

Summary

The challenges presented by the Present State Examination (PSE) in a multi-cultural context are explored. The general approach to the use of this instrument, difficulties with rating items relevant to cultural or subcultural conditions, and particularly the assessment of psychosis are considered, as well as the possibility of additions to and modifications of the PSE-CATEGO system. Though disagreement exists as to whether the research model which the PSE represents is adequate to deal exhaustively with cultural factors, the instrument is useful in cross-cultural research and also in stimulating debate and crystallising issues.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © 1985 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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