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Cultural Concepts of Distress: A Dive into Presentation and Avenues for Management
Rahi Patel1, Amin Ashraf2, Nicholas Myers2
1Dr. Patel is with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts.
Abstract:
Cultural concepts of distress, previously referred to as culture-bound syndromes, are psychiatric conditions influenced by cultural beliefs, history, and social norms. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, these syndromes manifest as culturally specific expressions of psychosocial distress, though there is a lack of formal diagnostic criteria. This article explores three cultural concepts of distress, koro, Dhat, and latah syndromes, through fictional case vignettes to illustrate their clinical presentation, underlying psychiatric associations, and potential management strategies. Each syndrome and case contain unique factors of psychosocial distress and highlights necessary considerations with avenues for improved patient care.
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