Seeing voices? The importance of raising awareness on Deaf Mental Health

Introduction Data regarding mental health problems in the prelingual deaf population is scarce. There evidence that factors related to minority stress can contribute illness population. In psychiatry, communication key, however, most clinicians are not trained communicate with Deaf. Moreover, psychiatrists often aware of particularities psychopathology these patients. Objectives We aim review important aspects psychiatric evaluation Deaf Methods Non-systematic recent literature and illness. Results prevalence mostly obtained from small studies suggest an increased burden significant barriers care. Psychiatry research patients about 40 years behind on hearing While communicating a patient, should consider preferred modality. Sign-language interpreters have specific training, although case for many countries. Clinicians keep simple, use short sentences, concrete examples visual aids. The status examination will particularities, such as: 1) facial expressions role sign languages may relate affect; 2) need distinguish between language dysfluency thought disorder 3) voice hallucinations manifest as somatic or hallucinations; occurrence pure auditory hallucination controversial. 4) little access information likely demonstrate poor literacy matters. Conclusions More issues be conducted. Raising awareness among needs step improve their help treatment. Disclosure Interest None Declared