Culture can have an immense impact on psychiatric treatment. What is considered normal in one culture may not be considered normal in another culture. Furthermore, psychiatric conditions may just be the result of cultural disparities. [Please note:  All info on this page came from contacts unless otherwise noted.]

• Many Hispanics, particularly the elderly, will not visit mental health professionals and will minimize or mask psychiatric problems as they feel personal matters should only be discussed with family members (Galanti, 116).

• Hispanics may prefer to see a "cuarandero" or traditional healer for psychiatric problems.

• Elderly Hispanic women fear possession and punishment for past sins causing apparent hysteria and hallucinations (Galanti, 118).

• Exorcism is sometimes utilized to ward off the "evil spirits."

• There is a Hispanic belief that "brujas" or witches can cast spells and these spells may cause an individual to act in a psychotic manner until the spell is removed (Dougherty, 38).

• Hispanic patients must be treated within the context of their own belief system for successful treatment.