Secondly, this paper reviews the DSM-5 changes and looks at how the changes influence are expected influence the classification of mental disorder, especially with the inclusion of cultural bound syndrome (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Thirdly, this paper will discuss some barriers and difficulties faced when implementing the CFI. Finally, the paper discusses whether this affects the treatments clinicians' give to their patients.
Understanding how socio-cultural influences affect the individual is complex, historically psychology has long placed a strong emphasis on an individuals values and beliefs, whereas the social environments influence upon human functioning is also powerful (Lopez & Guarnaccia, 2000). It is impossible to disentangle the action of the social world on peoples thoughts, ideas, values, and beliefs; with how people's values and beliefs influence their behavior in the world (Lopez & Guarnaccia, 2000). It must be kept in mind that clinical psychology in itself, is a cultural construction of the western world (Marsella & Yamada, 2010). In 1994, the Diagnostic Statistical manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV took the unprecedented step of including culture bound syndromes (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). The term culture-bound syndrome represents, locality-specific patterns of abnormal behavior that are not always linked to a diagnostic category – these are usually considered an illness within the indigenous group (Guarnaccia & Rogler, 1999). The latest revision of the DSM-5 now includes an in-depth cultural formation interview in which consideration is given to social factors such as daily routines – these are tied to families, social networks or neighborhood –, cultural values and beliefs, and treatment expectations; this all gives vital information regarding a persons entire socio-cultural system (Association, 2013; Lopez & Guarnaccia, 2000).
