Psychiatric disorders among Aborigines of the Australian Western Desert (II)
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TL;DR
A psychiatric survey of 300 full blood Aborigines of the Australian Western Desert living on 2 separate Missions was carried out and these results were compared with similar surveys undertaken among other communities in the Western Desert.
Abstract
A psychiatric survey of 300 full blood Aborigines of the Australian Western Desert living on 2 separate Missions was carried out and these results were compared with similar surveys undertaken among other communities in the Western Desert. No evidence of suicide or homosexuality was found. Only one example of "free floating" anxiety was seen. Two examples of hysterical fits were described but depression was not seen in contrast to the Warburton Range report. Personality disorders were similar at all four Missions, the most prominent being excessive aggressive behaviour. Hypochondriacal symptoms are prominent and these complaints are related to possession states but reporting of this type of symptom seems to be markedly influenced by the attitude of the local medical authorities. The reason for these apparent differences between western and Aborigine communities is briefly discussed.