Fig. 1.

Relationship between Western biomedicine and Traditional African Model. Both Western Biomedicine (WB) and Traditional African Model (TAM) use similar methods to identify the cause of mental illness and to provide treatments for mental illness. The specific treatment modalities include herbal medication, casting out demons and prayer for TAM; and surgery, pharmacological and shock therapy for WB. In some instances a verbal (undocumented) referral for laboratory testing is made if during TAM the practitioner realizes this need. Traditional approaches such as consulting supernatural powers are also employed in TAM particularly if the cause is attributed to witchcraft