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Ataques de nervios: culturally bound and distinct from panic attacks?
Meghan E Keough1, Kiara R Timpano, Norman B Schmidt
1Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1270, USA.
Depression and Anxiety
|September 11, 2008
Summary
Ataques de nervios (ADN) are not unique to Hispanic cultures, with similar rates observed in other ethnic groups. While distinct from panic attacks, ADN is not culturally bound as previously suggested.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Cultural Psychiatry
- Psychopathology
Background:
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) includes culture-bound syndromes, such as ataques de nervios (ADN), proposed to be specific to certain cultures.
- ADN is reported to be prevalent in Hispanic cultures and shares similarities with panic attacks.
- The cultural distinctiveness and phenomenology of ADN require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cultural distinctiveness and phenomenology of ataques de nervios (ADN).
- To examine the prevalence of ADN across different ethnic groups and acculturation levels.
Main Methods:
- An ethnically diverse undergraduate sample (N=342) was recruited.
- Participants completed measures assessing acculturation, syndrome prevalence, and anxiety risk factors.
Main Results:
- The rate of ADN did not significantly differ across African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic participants.
- Acculturation level did not influence the prevalence of ADN.
- Symptom comparisons showed some differentiation between ADN and panic attacks, aligning with DSM-IV.
Conclusions:
- Contrary to DSM-IV conceptualization, ataques de nervios (ADN) are not unique to Hispanic culture.
- ADN is experienced by non-Hispanic individuals at rates comparable to Hispanic individuals.
- Findings support the DSM-IV assertion that ADN and panic attacks are distinct syndromes.
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