Special Issues in the Care of Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Psychiatric In-Patients

This article reviews the literature regarding psychiatric care of ultra-orthodox Jewish patients. The discussion describes common areas of difficulty working with members of this population in an in-patient setting, including ritual observance, gender dynamics, and countertransference. It provides guidelines for mental health professionals to distinguish between culturally-appropriate and pathological behavior in an effort to avoid misdiagnosis, and offers strategies for overcoming these challenges. It suggests possible adjustments to standard treatment plans which may prove effective in this population and recommends further resources, including the involvement of trained chaplains, for especially complicated situations.