BISOGNI DI SALUTE MENTALE E IDENTITA' ROM: NECESSITA' DI UN APPROCCIO TRANSCULTURALE

Background: Very little is known about the mental health of ¿Gypsies¿ in Italy. Some UK studies suggest higher rates of mental disorders and suicide, and a lower life expectancy compared to the general population. Aims: ¿ to explore the mental health needs of the Gypsy population in the Torino 3 district (specifically in the community of Orbassano), the extent to which services and facilities are meeting these needs, and ways in which services might be improved. ¿ to analyze Gypsy people's identity models and their possible protective role in mental health disease occurrence. ¿ to propose a transcultural approach in mental health professionals practice. Methods: this mixed method study includes: ¿ collecting data as regards the presence of Gypsy people in the district and access to the mental health services and facilities available. ¿ non structured interviews with the Gypsy people to discover common traits of their identity and culture, and elicit their views concerning mental health disease and dedicated services. semi-structured interviews with mental health professionals to evaluate mental health needs observed and strategies adopted by the various dedicated services. Conclusions: a transcultural approach given by the Mental Health Services can be useful to reduce discrimination and increase existing resources to meet the mental health needs of the Gypsy population.