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Severe Mental Illnesses in Asian Americans: Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

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Handbook of Asian American Health

Abstract

Cultural beliefs, medical traditions, and language are just some of the characteristics that distinguish the uniqueness and distinctness of mental illness within Asian American community compared to other U.S. populations. The assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for ethnic Asian patients affected by mental illness requires culturally appropriate and flexible approaches for effective service delivery. Working with the families of schizophrenia and bipolar patients, as well as addressing the stigma associated with mental illness is especially important for Asian American patients, even more than mainstream and other American ethnic groups.. Of note, there is a limited number of studies on schizophrenia and no research on bipolar disorders among Asian Americans. Recommendations for better service delivery include specific guidelines for assessment and treatment of Asian American clients, particularly noting some of the particular needs of an individual subgroup (language, for example) within the general minority community.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Sacramento, CA, USA

    Russell F. Lim & Francis G. Lu MD

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  1. Russell F. Lim
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  2. Francis G. Lu MD
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Correspondence to Russell F. Lim .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Asian American Studies Department, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway, EP 103, San Francisco, 94132, USA

    Grace J. Yoo

  2. , Department of Asian Studies, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway, EP 103, San Francisco, 94132, USA

    Mai-Nhung Le

  3. Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, 91702, California, USA

    Alan Y. Oda

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Lim, R.F., Lu, F.G. (2013). Severe Mental Illnesses in Asian Americans: Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. In: Yoo, G., Le, MN., Oda, A. (eds) Handbook of Asian American Health. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-2227-3_20

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