Exploration of Muslims: experiences of mental health services and spiritual abuse

Background: Muslims tend to access mental health services significantly less than the general population and experience significantly worse outcomes than other religious groups when they do access services. Previous reviews have only focused on Muslims’ perceptions and beliefs about accessing services which have highlighted various cultural and systemic barriers.

Aim: This systematic review aimed to synthesise and analyse qualitative papers, from around the world, to explore Muslims’ experiences as well as perceptions of accessing professional mainstream mental health services.

Method: A systematic search of PsycINFO, Web of Science, Medline and ASSIA yielded 12 papers. The CASP framework was used to assess the quality of the papers. A thematic
synthesis was conducted to address the research questions.

Results: Using thematic synthesis, three themes were derived: Therapy’s Not for Us: Barriers, Relationship Between Therapy and Islam, and Therapy Can Be Helpful: Facilitators. There were nine subthemes. Clinical and research implications include recommendations of co-production with Muslim communities and faith leaders, enhancing cultural and religious competence within services, and expanding research on the integration of mental health services in existing religious structures such as mosques.