Nigeria

Abstract This chapter reviews the local perspective of psychosis in Nigeria with emphasis on recent research programmes on various aspects of psychosis, descriptions of the treatment systems of psychosis, and the cultural contexts shaping the experience of psychosis. It describes how treatment systems for psychosis in Nigeria include services provided by orthodox mental health practitioners and by traditional and faith healers. The majority of orthodox mental health services are provided by eight neuropsychiatric hospitals, complemented by the departments of psychiatry in teaching hospitals. These hospitals and departments of psychiatry can be regarded as tertiary healthcare facilities. It then explains how traditional and faith healers provide for the mental health needs of a substantial proportion of the population in Nigeria. They are commonly consulted for severe mental health conditions, including psychotic disorders and typically have facilities for both inpatient and outpatient care. The chapter ends with a brief discussion of priorities for future research and service development.