Publications

Abstract:
The management of psychotrauma in humanitarian contexts presents complex challenges due to the cultural diversity of affected populations and the variability in how psychological distress is expressed. Far from being universal, the presentation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is shaped by cultural factors that influence the nature of symptoms, treatment expectations, and resilience strategies. In some cultures, distress is primarily somatized (e.g., pain, digestive issues), while in others, emotional expression is more socially acceptable. These differences can lead to diagnostic errors, especially when standardized tools like the CAPS-5 (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5) or the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) are applied without cultural adaptation. Concepts such as “cultural trauma scripts” and culture-bound syndromes (e.g., Susto, Khal’a, Khyâl cap) help explain how trauma is interpreted locally. Likewise, traditional healing practices — rituals, community ceremonies, and indigenous healers — play a vital role in social restoration. Integrating these into therapeutic frameworks has been shown to enhance treatment adherence and outcomes, as demonstrated in Uganda, Cambodia, and Botswana. A major barrier remains the lack of intercultural training among healthcare providers. Most humanitarian actors are not educated about cultural variations in PTSD, leading to misdiagnoses and care discontinuities. Emerging initiatives are addressing this gap. For instance, the MINOR-IA project uses artificial intelligence to assess symptoms in the patient’s native language, improving diagnostic accuracy by nearly 30%. Still, these technologies must be critically evaluated to avoid reinforcing cultural biases. This article highlights the urgent need to include intercultural competencies in mental health training, foster collaboration with community-based resources, and invest in AI-assisted tools. An integrative, context-sensitive approach is essential for an effective and culturally respectful humanitarian response.
Keywords: Psychotraumatisme; Cultures; TSPT; Humanitaire; Intelligence artificielle; Santé mentale; Évaluation transculturelle; Soins hybrides; Psychotrauma; Culture; PTSD; Humanitarian care; Artificial intelligence; Mental health; Cross-cultural assessment; Hybrid care models