The Practice Of Psychiatry In Nigeria: A Call For A Paradigm Shift

Abstract

Background Majority of psychiatrists trained in Nigeria focus almost exclusively on
pharmacotherapy in the management of their clients, neglecting psychotherapy.
Aim Basically, the article is decrying the paucity of psychotherapy input in the training of
psychiatrists in Nigeria.
Conclusion The quality of patient treatment would be enhanced if more psychotherapy
were taught to residents.
Recommendation It is recommended that the training of psychiatrists in Nigeria need to
give equal emphasis to both Pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy so as to enable
psychiatrists serve clients better.

Nigerian Journal of Psychiatry Vol. 5 (1) 2007: pp. 42-44