Severe mental illness across cultures.

OBJECTIVE International studies have shown that the outcome of illnesses like schizophrenia vary across cultures. The good outcome in developing countries depends upon a number of factors. METHOD Using both primary and secondary sources, existing literature was reviewed. Using terms severe mental illness, culture and schizophrenia, Medline, Psychinfo and Embase were searched. Further searches were conducted using secondary searches. RESULTS The impact of culture and its components on the individual and their families influences compliance, engagement with services and expectations of treatment. Cultures also impact upon identity and explanatory models of individuals. CONCLUSION Severe mental illness is as likely to be affected by culture as other illnesses. Clinicians need to use multi-model assessment and management techniques.