Box 5.2 Examples of Cultural Syndromes and Explanations

Question 1

ataque de nervios
culture

Answer 1

latin American

Question 2

ataque de nervios
symptoms

Answer 2

sudden attack of trembling,

palpations, dyspnea, dizziness, and loss of consiousness

Question 3

ataque de nervios
cause

Answer 3

evil spirit and intolerable stress

Question 4

ataque de nervios
treatment

Answer 4

espiritista (spiritual healer)
support of family and community

Question 5

ghost sickness
culture

Answer 5

navajo

Question 6

ghost sickness
symptoms

Answer 6

“being out of ones mind”
dyspnea, weakness, bad dreams

Question 7

ghost sickness
cause

Answer 7

evil spirit

Question 8

ghost sickness
treatment

Answer 8

overcoming evil spirit
healing ritual

Question 9

hwa byung
culture

Answer 9

korean

Question 10

hwa byung
symptoms

Answer 10

epigastric pain, anorexia, palpations, dyspnea, muscle aches and pains

Question 11

hwa byung
cause

Answer 11

lack of harmony in the body or in interpersonal relationships

Question 12

hwa byung
treatment

Answer 12

reestablish harmony

Question 13

hwa byung
closely related to

Answer 13

depression

Question 14

jin possession
culture

Answer 14

somalian

Question 15

jin possession
symptoms

Answer 15

psychological distress and anxiety
intermittent, involuntary, abnormal body movements

Question 16

jin possession
cause

Answer 16

possession by a Jin, which is invisible and is angry with the human

Question 17

jin possession
treatment

Answer 17

exorcism
- ask jin what made it mad so the human can apologize

Question 18

neurasthenia
culture

Answer 18

Chinese

Question 19

neurasthenia
symptoms

Answer 19

somatic symptoms of depression

anorexia
weight loss
fatigue
weakness
trouble concentrating
insomnia

Question 20

neurasthenia
cause

Answer 20

lack of yin yang balance

Question 21

neurasthenia
treatment

Answer 21

eating healthier
exercise
massage
rest
lifestyle adjustment

antidepressant is now common

Question 22

susto
culture

Answer 22

latin American

Question 23

susto
symptoms

Answer 23

broad range of somatic and psychological symptoms similar to PTSD

Question 24

susto
cause

Answer 24

traumatic incident which caused patients soul to leave body

Question 25

susto treatment

Answer 25

espiritista (spiritual leader)

Question 26

wind illness cultures

Answer 26

Chinese, Vietnamese

Question 27

wind illness symptoms

Answer 27

fear of cold, wind, or drafts

Question 28

wind illness cause

Answer 28

yin yang and hold cold must be in balance

Question 29

wind illness treatment

Answer 29

keeping warm and avoiding food drinks and herbs that are cold as well as cold colors, emotions, and activities coining cupping