SOCIOCULTURAL AND ETHICAL PRINCIPLES IN DIAGNOSIS CASES OF ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR

STIGMA

Refers to the destructive beliefs and attitudes held by a society that are ascribed to groups considered different in some manner, such as people with psychological disorders

CULTURE-BOUND SYNDROMES

Patterns of atypical behavior and distressing experiences that are specific to certain cultural groups or localities

LOCALITY-SPECIFIC

Typically found in a particular region, ethnic group, or cultural community

NOT ALWAYS DIRECTLY MAPPABLE TO WESTERN DIAGNOSES

The overall constellation of symptoms, the cultural interpretation, and the traditional healing practices associated with them are distinct

CULTURALLY SANCTIONED EXPLANATIONS

The symptoms and their causes are often explained through cultural beliefs about the body, spirit, social relationships, or supernatural forces

INFLUENCE ON HELP-SEEKING

Often influences how individuals seek help, such as from traditional healers, shamans, or spiritual leaders

ATAQUE DE NERVIOS

Translated as "attack of nerves," this syndrome in Latin America and the Caribbean is a culturally recognized response to stressful events, particularly those involving family or loss, with symptoms including uncontrollable shouting, crying, trembling, heat in the chest rising to the head, and verbal or physical aggression

KORO

An intense, irrational fear in Southeast Asia and China that one’s genitals are retracting into the body and will disappear, often believed to lead to death

AMOK

A sudden, often unprovoked, violent outburst in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, usually following a period of brooding or perceived insult, often involving attacking others, followed by exhaustion, amnesia, and sometimes death

SUSTO

Meaning "fright" or "soul loss" in Latin America, this illness is attributed to a frightening event that causes the soul to leave the body, with symptoms including appetite disturbances, inadequate or excessive sleep, troubled dreams, sadness, lack of motivation, and physical complaints like muscle aches and stomach aches

TAIJIN KYOFUSHO

An intense fear in Japan that one’s body, its parts, or its functions, such as body odor, facial expression, or eye contact, are displeasing, embarrassing, or offensive to other people

DHAT SYNDROME

A common anxiety and hypochondriacal concern among men in India and South Asia related to the discharge of semen or fear of semen loss

HIKIKOMORI

Severe social withdrawal in Japan where individuals isolate themselves from society, often remaining in their homes for months or even years, avoiding social interaction and participation

LATAH

A hypersensitivity to sudden fright in Southeast Asia, often leading to exaggerated startle responses, involuntary actions, echolalia or repeating words, and automatic obedience to commands

KHYAL CAP

Panic attacks in Cambodia

MALADI MOUN

Sent sickness in Haiti, where interpersonal envy and malice cause people to harm their enemies by sending illness, also known as parang kulam

SHENJING SHUAIRUO

Weakness, emotions, excitement, nervous pain, and sleep distress

DISSOCIATIVE TRANCE

Counterpart of DID in eastern countries, also known as sapi

NON-MALEFICENCE

Do No Harm, meaning the diagnostic process should not cause harm, as misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate or ineffective treatment, stigmatization, and negative life consequences, impacting employment and social relationships

BENEFICENCE

Do Good, meaning the diagnosis should aim to benefit the individual by leading to effective and culturally sensitive interventions that improve their well-being

JUSTICE

Ensuring equitable access to quality mental healthcare and diagnostic services for all individuals, regardless of their cultural background, socioeconomic status, or other social identities, including addressing systemic inequalities in healthcare

RESPECT FOR RIGHTS AND DIGNITY

Upholding the autonomy and dignity of the individual, respecting their cultural beliefs, values, and choices, even if they differ from the clinician’s own, as well as challenging stigmatizing beliefs and educating patients and communities about mental health

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ONGOING LEARNING

Clinicians have an ethical responsibility to continuously update their knowledge and skills, particularly in cultural competence, to provide the best possible care in an increasingly diverse world

TELEPSYCHOLOGY

Provision of psychological services using telecommunication technologies