Indigenous ("non-academic") medicine in psychiatric inpatients of Turkish origin living in Germany

The treatment of Turkish patients is peculiar due to differences of sociocultural background and speech. Magic conceptions of pathogenesis and nosogeny have a broad acceptance in a part of population. Magic faith healers, Hocas, are authorities to be consulted for treatment. In ritual acts they intend to stave off noxious influences and to strengthen the healing power with sacred formulas and through powerful objects. To investigate the importance, utilisation and attitude towards the Hocas of Turkish psychiatric patients living in Germany we conducted an interview with 55 psychiatric inpatients. Our findings were a reduced importance of Hocas due to influences of the Western culture and modern medicine. "Folk" medicine is still important for patients with psychic disorders and is used parallel to modern medical facilities.