An Ethnographic Analysis of the Restrictions of Effective Mental Health Treatments in Moroccan Society: Where Do We Go From Here?

Abstract

With its simultaneously omnipresent traditional and modern culture, Morocco possesses a unique binary demeanor. This is especially true when discussing the attitudes toward and perceptions of mental illnesses and those who suffer from them. It is important to understand the various components that influence perceptions, help-seeking behaviors, and overall attitudes toward perceived mental illness within Moroccan culture (Al-Krenawi, et al., 2009). Because there are a variety of ways in which patients conceptualize and articulate mental illnesses across cultures, it is necessary to consider factors such as cultural beliefs, societal legislative influences, local treatment availabilities, family involvement, awareness, stigmatization, and historical context to fully understand the challenges that arise concerning this complex issue. This is principally so in countries such as Morocco, where the conflicting ideals of traditional and Westernized psychiatric treatments often collide. The implementation of modern, westernized mental health treatments into a population that is already deeply embedded in traditional and religious healing methods has created an internal conflict surrounding the search for balance between the two practices (Stein, 2000). This can be problematic when attempting to treat cases, as practitioners’ misconceptions can lead to access barriers, misdiagnosis, or inappropriate treatment (Al-Krenawi, et al., 2009).