List of Culturally Bound Syndromes in Psychology

April 19 2025 TalktoAngel 0 comments 1095 Views

Psychology often explores mental health through universal diagnostic frameworks, yet culture plays a significant role in shaping how mental disorders manifest and are understood. Many psychological conditions are deeply rooted in cultural beliefs, traditions, and societal norms, leading to the emergence of Culturally Bound Syndromes (CBS)—mental health conditions recognised within specific cultural or ethnic groups. While they may not always align with Western psychiatric diagnoses, these syndromes are real, impactful, and deeply ingrained in the lived experiences of those affected.

What Are Culturally Bound Syndromes?

Culturally Bound Syndromes (CBS) refer to mental and behavioural disorders found only within specific cultural settings and are not classified under standard psychiatric manuals like the DSM-5 or ICD-10. These conditions often reflect cultural fears, beliefs, and practices, shaping how individuals express distress and seek healing. Understanding these syndromes is crucial for mental health professionals working in diverse settings, as it enables them to provide culturally sensitive care and recognise that mental health is not a one-size-fits-all concept.

List of Major Culturally Bound Syndromes

Below are some well-documented Culturally Bound Syndromes from different parts of the world:

1. Amok (Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)

Symptoms: Sudden, unprovoked, violent outbursts, followed by exhaustion and amnesia. Cultural Background: With roots in Southeast Asian traditions, "running amok" is frequently associated with repressed stress or fury that explodes. It is occasionally linked to supernatural possession or spiritual beliefs.

2. Ataque de Nervios (Latin America)

Symptoms: Intense emotional outbursts, screaming, crying, trembling, and fainting, usually in response to extreme stress or grief.

Cultural Background: Commonly observed in Latino communities, this syndrome is often triggered by family conflicts, death, or traumatic events. It is sometimes viewed as a culturally accepted way of expressing distress.

3. Dhat Syndrome (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh)

Symptoms: Anxiety, fatigue, weakness, and sexual dysfunction attributed to semen loss.

Cultural Background: Rooted in South Asian cultures, Dhat Syndrome is based on the traditional belief that semen is a vital life force and that its excessive loss (through nocturnal emissions or masturbation) leads to severe health deterioration.

4. Koro (China, Southeast Asia, India, Africa)

Symptoms: Intense fear that one’s genitals are shrinking and retracting into the body, potentially leading to death.

Cultural Background: Found in Chinese and Southeast Asian communities, Koro is often associated with moral panic and supernatural beliefs. Outbreaks have been recorded as mass hysteria events in various cultures.

5. Hikikomori (Japan)

Symptoms: Severe social withdrawal, isolation, refusal to leave home for months or years.

Cultural Background: A growing phenomenon in Japan, Hikikomori affects mostly young men who withdraw due to academic pressure, social expectations, or failure to meet familial obligations. It has gained global recognition, with similar cases reported in South Korea, Italy, and the United States.

6. Latah (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand)

Symptoms: Symptoms include compulsive compliance to orders, uncontrollable movements, echolalia (repeating words), and an exaggerated startle response.

Cultural Background: Found primarily in Southeast Asia, Latah is often considered an altered state of consciousness triggered by a sudden shock or startle. It is seen as both a neurological and cultural condition.

7. Susto (Latin America, Mexico)

Symptoms: Insomnia, nightmares, anxiety, and unexplained physical ailments after a traumatic event or fright.

Cultural Background: Susto, meaning "fright" in Spanish, is believed to occur when a person’s soul temporarily leaves the body due to a shocking experience. Traditional healers often perform rituals to restore balance.

8. Windigo Psychosis (Indigenous North America)

Symptoms: Intense fear of becoming a cannibal, paranoia, and delusions.

Cultural Background: Observed in Algonquian-speaking Indigenous tribes in Canada and the U.S., Windigo Psychosis is linked to folklore about the Windigo, a malevolent spirit that possesses people, driving them to crave human flesh.

9. Kufungisisa (Zimbabwe, Africa)

Symptoms: Anxiety, somatic complaints (headaches, fatigue, dizziness), and obsessive worry.

Cultural Background: In Shona culture in Zimbabwe, Kufungisisa (meaning "thinking too much") is seen as both a mental and physical condition, often linked to stress, social issues, and spiritual imbalance.

10. Mal de Ojo (Mediterranean, Latin America, Middle East)

Symptoms: Fever, vomiting, irritability, insomnia, and physical weakness, especially in infants and children.

Cultural Background: Also known as "Evil Eye," this syndrome is believed to result from a strong gaze filled with envy or bad intentions. Protective rituals or amulets are commonly used to ward off its effects.

Why Understanding Culturally Bound Syndromes Matters

Enhances Cross-Cultural Competency – Mental health professionals working with diverse populations can offer more effective care by understanding culturally influenced distress.
Prevents Misdiagnosis – Many culturally bound syndromes mimic symptoms of Western psychiatric conditions (e.g., anxiety, psychosis) but require different treatment approaches.
Encourages Holistic Treatment – Many cultures rely on traditional healers, rituals, or spiritual guidance. Acknowledging these practices helps integrate modern psychology with cultural sensitivity.

Conclusion

Mental health is deeply intertwined with cultural beliefs and traditions. Culturally Bound Syndromes highlight that psychological distress is not one-size-fits-all but is shaped by the unique social and cultural environments people live in. Recognising and understanding these culturally specific expressions of mental health challenges enables professionals to provide inclusive and culturally sensitive care. This ensures that individuals receive support in ways that honour their backgrounds, traditions, and values.

As global psychology continues to evolve, embracing cultural diversity in treatment is crucial for fostering deeper empathy, acceptance, and healing. Platforms like TalktoAngel offer online counselling with trained therapists and some of the best psychologists in India, who are equipped to work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Therapies such as Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) can be particularly effective, as they integrate personal experiences with cultural understanding. By combining evidence-based care with cultural sensitivity, mental health services become more accessible, respectful, and impactful.

Contributed By: Contributed by Dr. (Prof.) R. K. Suri, Clinical Psychologist and Life Coach, & Ms. Sangeeta Pal, Counselling Psychologist.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Simons, R. C., & Hughes, C. C. (2016). The culture-bound syndromes: Folk illnesses of psychiatric and anthropological interest. Springer Science & Business Media.