Culture Syndrome

HEALTH
 The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-
being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
 One of the basic rights that are in the International Human Rights Law.
 Everyone, regardless of race, gender, or social status, has the right to the highest attainable standard of physical
and mental health.
Culture-Specific Syndromes and Illnesses

 Defined as a combination of psychiatric (brain) and somatic (body) symptoms that are considered to be a
recognizable disease only within a specific society or culture.
 There are no objective biochemical or structural alterations of body organs or functions
 These folk illnesses are unique and affect a specific ethnic group or society.
 These diseases are not recognized in other cultures; thus, they are considered to be rare and exotic.
Culture-Specific Syndrome Are Characterized By:

 Widespread familiarity within the culture.
 Complete lack of familiarity or misunderstanding of the condition of people in other cultures.
 No objectively demonstrable biochemical or tissue abnormalities.
 The condition is usually recognized and treated by the folk medicine of the culture.
Some Examples of Culture-Bound Syndromes Currently Identified In The Global Community Include:
BUGHAT
 Originated from Cebu, commonly known as “binat” which translates to “relapse”.
 It occurs when someone is recovering from illness but gets sick again shortly after or even during the recovery
period.
 It usually comes as one or a combination of symptoms: headache, body pain, fever, etc.
USOG
 Usually happens to young children
 This topic in Filipino psychology happens when an unsuspecting stranger greets you with an evil eye.
 Symptoms of usog are usually a development of fever and sometimes convulsions
 The theory states that the stranger inside the child's house may cause distress and fear within a child. Thus, the
child is overpowered or nauusog by the stranger and may feel afraid or get sick.
LATAH
 A culture-bound syndrome from Malaysia and Indonesia.
 Latah is an exaggerated startle response, typically found among women.
 Being surprised may result in screaming, cursing, dancing and hysterical laughter that might last a half hour or
more.
 They may imitate the people around them or things they see or hear in the media
 Latah often occurs following a traumatic episode. There are many cultures that have similar syndromes
(AMURAKH&MYRIACHIT), but it is unclear how or if they relate to each other.
VOODOO DEATH
 Voodoo death is a culture-bound syndrome observed in Haiti, Africa, Australia, and the islands of the Pacific and
the Caribbean.
 Also known as psychogenic death or psychosomatic death, is the phenomenon of sudden death as brought about
by a strong emotional shock, such as fear.
 This is said to happen when an individual who has disobeyed a ritual or taboo is hexed or cursed by a medicine
man or sorcerer (often by pointing a bone at the culprit) and dies within a few days.
WENDIGO PSYCHOSIS
 Wendigo psychosis is a culture-bound disorder that involves a craving for human flesh and the fear that one will
turn into a cannibal.
 The syndrome is characterized by delusions of becoming possessed by a flesh-eating monster (the wendigo) and
is manifested in symptoms including depression, violence, a compulsive desire for human flesh, and sometimes
actual cannibalism.
 This once occurred frequently among Algonquian Indian cultures, though has declined with the Native American
urbanization.
SYSTEMS OF DIAGNOSIS, PREVENTION, AND HEALING
Traditional Health System

 Refer to the healthcare beliefs and practices that have been established by indigenous people in developing
nations.
 This often reflects the concept that human beings function as an integral part of nature.
 Traditional health systems are less intrusive compared to western health systems and make use of natural
medicines such as herbs. Massages and mind/body practices that address the physical, mental and spiritual well-
being of the patient are included as well.
 Most cases of countries that use traditional healing can be found in some parts of Asia and Africa.
Examples of traditional healing include:
a. acupuncture b. herbalism c. use of Chinese medicine d. rubs
Western Health System

 Are the modern-day practices of the medical world and are typically referred to as medical science.
 Patients are treated based on standardized diagnostic practices.
 Western medicine and treatment are usually done by a doctor, nurse, and other conventional healthcare providers.
 Their practices and methods are of western medical and scientific Teachings and traditions.
 SURGERY- is a well-known forefront of Western Medicine.
Alternative Health Systems

 Is a healing practice that has the effect of medicine but does not necessarily originate from medical practice, or a
scientific method.
 Also defined as a number of practices that are beyond the scope of conventional medicine.
 It consists of a wide range of healing practices health, care, and therapies.
 These alternative healings are not backed- up by scientific facts but have still proven successful in healing
illnesses and psychological strains.
 Alternative health approaches are based on a philosophy different from the conventional medicine system.
Examples of this include Homeopathy, Neuropathy, Christian Faith Healing, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and
Chiropractors.
Prepared & Reported by:

Abegail Cabuling
Regie Torres
Christine Rey

Culture Syndrome

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Culture Syndrome

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Culture Syndrome

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

HEALTH

Culture-Specific Syndromes and Illnesses

Culture-Specific Syndrome Are Characterized By:

SYSTEMS OF DIAGNOSIS, PREVENTION, AND HEALING

Traditional Health System

Western Health System

Alternative Health Systems

Prepared & Reported by:

You might also like