The practice of behaviour therapy in West Africa: the case of Ghana.

The purpose of this report is to discuss the role of behavior therapy as an additional treatment model in the field of mental health in Ghana. The problems and achievements in its pioneer stage have been discussed. Ghanaian neurotics' concept of etiology of illness is profoundly rooted in cultural beliefs such as evil machination and cosmic forces. The profound role played by the traditional healers' definition of "mysterious illness" and treatment of neurotic symptoms has been modified since the introduction of behaviour therapy and this serves as a threat to the "healers". Analysing the findings so far one can recommend that behaviour therapy be included and emphasized in the future training of African psychiatrists and other mental health professionals in Africa in general and in Ghana in particular.