Thanatomania in an Asmat community. A report of successful "western" treatment

Case report from the Asmat-area, West New Guineaof black magic in a 12-year-old boy, confirmed anthropologically and medically. Successful treatment by western medicine was achieved by removing the emotional pressure exerted by the community on the patient through physical and pharmaceutical isoledical help saving a black magic victim. A follow-up of the medicine and anthropology, permitting a discussion of the medical cultural implication.