ABSTRACT
This chapter considers key issues where anthropological research may have an important role in alleviating human suffering in an equitable and ethical manner around the globe. Anthropological research has enormous potential to contribute to these challenges by exploring cultural feasibility and acceptability of interventions, understanding the impact of health services. To achieve this, we have identified eight priorities for future anthropological research in global mental health. Expanded ethnographic work that focuses on understanding how sociocultural context influences schizophrenia outcomes will not only build clearer comprehension of the problem but also will support better study design, implementation, and analysis. Substance abuse is an area that requires continued attention by anthropologists in global mental health, particularly in LMICs. Analysis of suicide and life-threatening behavior has an important role in anthropology and public health, not only because it is a marker of mental health mortality, but also because it is a cultural marker of distress.
