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    Diagnosis And Treatment Of Mental Illness By Vhavenda Traditional Healers In Vhembe District, South Africa

    Diagnosis And Treatment Of Mental Illness By Vhavenda Traditional Healers In Vhembe District, South Africa

    Abstract

    In rural African communities, traditional healers hold an esteemed and powerful position
    in the diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses. They assume a significant role in
    addressing the mental health care needs of individuals by offering cultural appropriate
    treatment and they are easily accessible. This was a qualitative study, and specifically,
    the case study method was utilised. Ten traditional healers were chosen through
    purposive and snowball sampling to participate in the study. Data was collected through
    semi-structured interviews and analysed using the thematic analysis method. The findings
    revealed that several procedures (like throwing of bones and direct observation of
    patient’s behaviours) are used to diagnose mental illness. The findings also revealed that
    mental illness can be treated through the use of traditional remedies and practices (like
    rituals). From the findings of the study, it can be suggested that both traditional medical
    interventions and some culturally relevant psychological procedures are used to treat
    mental illness. Increased cooperation between western oriented psychotherapists and
    African traditional healers is therefore highly recommended.