Description
This course will examine the disputed theory that recognizes culture-specific mental disorders and diseases. Students will evaluate if the roots of abnormal behaviors and conditions, such as eating disorders or depression, can be found in specific cultures or societies. The course will introduce the most common abnormalities and will evaluate how these have been treated in the past. Not only the question of whether or not a specific syndrome should be recognized as a socially- or culturally-based phenomena will be addressed, but the course will also consider if a cultural approach could lead to a more adequate and effective treatment and healing compared to other forms of treatment. Also the ethical repercussions of this method will be evaluated in terms of how it can change the way human development can be studied on a global level.
