Perspectives and practices of Xhosa-speaking African traditional healers when managing psychosis
Human Science Research Council SA July 1, 2026 Human Sciences Research Council
Xhosa-speaking traditional healers in Cape Town, South Africa, diagnose psychosis with symptoms matching DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia. They attribute the illness to supernatural causes: witchcraft, spirit possession, angered ancestors, and genetic predisposition. Treatment focuses on cleansing patients and families of evil spirits through washing, steaming, and induced vomiting, followed by group rituals of singing and dancing to evoke spirits. The findings suggest possibilities for cooperation between traditional and Western healing systems.