Diagnosis in a Multicultural Context

A Casebook for Mental Health Professionals

For the first time ever, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) has acknowledged the importance of cultural variations across many mental disorders. In reaction to these changes, author Freddy Paniagua has created a casebook designed for clinicians interested in the enhancement of their culturally competent skills based on these new guidelines.

As a companion to Paniagua's other book Assessing and Treating Diverse Clients, this book will clarify, expand, and offer clinical case examples to illustrate the cross-cultural variations on standard diagnostic guidelines. Within Diagnosis in a Multicultural Context, Paniagua provides an overview and specific variables reported among four culturally diverse groups. He extensively discusses the applicability of many cultural variations in the DSM-IV with emphasis on cultural formulations. Paniagua also integrates a number of cultural variations not directly covered by the DSM-IV which are still very significant in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of clients from these groups.

Another important aspect of this book is its emphasis on the skills mental health professionals need to learn in order to pass the cross culturally oriented section of most certification examinations that are required to receive a clinical license. This book has broad appeal for multicultural counseling and clinical psychology courses as well as direct practice and clinical courses in social work. Additionally, it is a good resource for mental health practitioners seeking new ways of assessing clients and communicating the particulars back to third party payors.