Sociocultural Stress and the American Native in Alaska: An Analysis of Changing Patterns of Psychiatric Illness and Alcohol Abuse Among Alaska Natives

Selected statistics on morbidity & mortality are used to outline the current status & developing trends of psychiatric illness & alcohol abuse among the Aleut, Athabascan, Yupik, Inupiat, Tlingit, Haida & Tsimpshian people of Alaska. Analysis of records of health care providers shows steady increase in the number of individuals treated for these problems. Accidental injury & suicidal behavior are common. Data suggest a public health problem in the areas of behavioral disturbance & violent death.