Issues in the psychopharmacologic assessment and treatment of the orthodox Jewish patient

CNS Spectr. 2005 Dec;10(12):954-65. doi: 10.1017/s109285290001052x.

Abstract

As with members of other cultural and religious groups, patients within the Orthodox Jewish community present with their own distinct clinical psychiatric issues related to their unique beliefs and practices. This article reviews the existing literature and anecdotal experience on the psychopharmacologic assessment and treatment of Orthodox Jewish patients. Specific aspects examined include this group's perceived intense stigma in receiving treatment, the priority this community places on cognitive functioning, and how the influence of Jewish laws on marriage and sexual practices impacts one's treatment decisions. The relevance of Jewish dietary laws, the Sabbath, and the community's interest in alternative treatments are also discussed. The limited ethno-psychopharmacology research related to Orthodox Jewish psychiatric patients is reviewed. We conclude that understanding issues such as these is critical if one is going to work within this cultural system in order to successfully address their mental health issues. However, the dearth of controlled research in this community needs to be addressed to provide more effective treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Attitude to Health / ethnology*
  • Depression / complications*
  • Depression / drug therapy*
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Drug Therapy / methods*
  • Fear
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Jews / psychology*
  • Judaism*
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Psychotic Disorders / complications*
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Stereotyping

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents