ABSTRACT
Cross-cultural research can be divided into two main streams: the universalist, which would be more inclined in emphasize the similarities, and the specificist, which would tend to show possible differences among the groups compared. For instance, further cross-cultural comparative studies with the integration of both emic and etic approaches by applying the state of the art of these apparent contrasting techniques might be pursued. There are basically three methods of case identification using standardized research instruments: clinical evaluation by means of a psychiatric interview, the use of screening questionnaires, and the combination of both in a two-way design. The definition of a case will, of course, depend on the purpose of the study. A number of these instruments have been applied in Brazil, India, and Taiwan. Cross-cultural psychopharmacology is a promising field for research in cross-cultural psychiatry.
