ABSTRACT
Disordered behavior or affect violates societal expectations of proper conduct, and is often perceived to reflect poorly on the patients’ family of origin. Studies carried out in the Arab world and other developing countries suggest that individuals suffering from psychosocial problems may first seek attention through the extended family. Conceptualization of disease categories and symptom recognition in psychiatry are shaped to a large extent by the cultural norms and values of the societies where the classification systems were developed. Psychiatric issues are seen by many as social or moral issues, rather than medical problems, to be dealt with through family, religious and social avenues. In Western studies, frequent clinic attenders tend to have a high incidence of psychiatric disorders. Managing patients who present with psychiatric conditions requires that the primary care physician be familiar with and proficient in all effective therapies that can be helpful to these patients.
