masterThesis
Comprensión y manejo de los síntomas psicóticos por los médicos ancestrales del pueblo Pijao en Natagaima, Tolima
Fecha
2018Autor
Leal Rodriguez, Cristian Steven
Tapia Duarte, Luz Victoria
Institución
Resumen
This study is driven by a mental healthcare and transcultural psychiatry perspective, involving the collection of the interpretations and explanations offered by ancestral therapists (i.e., definitions, beliefs, symbolisms, perceptions), together with the identification of their understandings regarding psychotic symptoms and their corresponding treatment. The study describes the diagnosis and treatment practices for psychotic symptoms expressed by the ancient therapists of the Pijao indigenous people, who reside in the town of Natagaima (Colombia). Methodology: Interviews involving five ancient therapists, each one living in a different village within the mentioned town. The qualitative analysis of the transcripts involved open coding and categorization activities, which were supported by the ATLAS.ti software package. Results: It was found that the comprehension of the relationship between wellbeing and illness are rooted in the community’s beliefs, and that the different treatment procedures are driven by ancestral medicine. Additionally, evidence was collected regarding the abuse of psychoactive substances (including alcohol) and internal displacement. Conclusion: This study reveals the importance of the beliefs of the Pijao ethnic group expressed by the ancient therapists, and how these beliefs guide the pharmacological and therapeutical treatment of different diseases, particularly mental disorders. Finally, the study highlights the importance of the relationship between scientific evidence and cultural beliefs towards a transcultural psychiatry.