This study is a review of literature pertaining to inadequate impact of
orthodox psychiatric institutions and services in Nigeria. It was aimed at (i)
profiling factors impeding growth and use of orthodox psychiatric
institutions, and (ii) to report the emerging institutions providing psychiatric
services in Nigeria. The method employed was the ex-post facto research
which enabled content analysis technique through a critical review of
documents and materials related to Nigerian orthodox psychiatric
institutions and services. The findings shows that (i) cultural conditions
(traditional beliefs and myths, lifestyle, perception and discrimination,
stigma, movements) and (ii) systemic factors (lack of funding, dearth of
orthodox mental health practitioners, law and policies) are militating factors
against robust orthodox psychiatric institutions and services. It was also
found that unorthodox psychiatric institutions and services are built and
rendered everywhere in emerging religious Pentecostal organizations and
government approved but privately owned traditional psychiatric homes.
Finally, it was concluded that orthodox psychiatric institutions and services
are faced with difficulties due to systemic factors and deeply rooted
traditional beliefs in the efficacy, lower cost and omnipresence of unorthodox
psychiatric institutions and its practitioners .Therefore, it was recommended,
among others, that government should pass into law, the mental health bill,
taking into cognizance the potency and acceptability of these emerging
institutional scenes.