What is
Culturally specific mental health disorders?

Culturally specific mental health disorders are conditions which are generally found within specific cultures and populations.

What Is It?

Culturally specific disorders, also known as culture-bound syndromes, are mental health conditions or patterns of behaviour that are recognised within specific cultural or ethnic groups but may not be widely understood or diagnosed in other cultures. These disorders are often shaped by cultural beliefs, social norms, and traditional understandings of health and illness.

Common Experiences

Ataque de nervios (Latin American communities) - emotional outbursts and physical symptoms in response to stress; koro (found in parts of Asia), involving the fear that one’s genitals are retracting and will cause death; amok (Southeast Asia), sudden violent behaviour following perceived insult; taijin kyofusho (Japan), a fear of offending others with one’s appearance or actions; and ghost sickness (Native American communities), which includes feelings of grief, weakness, and confusion believed to be caused by spirits.

How It Can Affect You

These conditions can deeply affect individuals’ lives, leading to stigma, misunderstanding, or misdiagnosis in healthcare systems unfamiliar with their cultural background. Without culturally sensitive support, individuals may feel isolated or invalidated, making it crucial to approach these disorders with cultural awareness and respect.