ABSTRACT
Cultural Concepts of Distress (CCDs) are culturally constructed diagnostic categories that exist within a specific society or culture. While several studies have assessed CCDs around the world, few studies have examined them in Haiti. This qualitative study examines manifestations of anxiety and depression via "sent spirits" in the form of maladi nanm ("Soul disorder") and maladi zonbi ("Zombie disorder"), and bipolar disorder in the form of maladi lalin ("Moon disorder"). Examples of CCDs were recorded as part of a study which interviewed 96 outpatients at the first mental health center in northern Haiti. Using qualitative methods, the authors identified three specific CCDs as reported by mental health patients. Maladi nanm and maladi zonbi represent alternative explanatory models of anxiety and depression in which the sufferer views mental illness as stemming from a sent spirit, or spirit which is intentionally sent supernaturally with the intent to cause harm. Maladi lalin is experienced by patients with bipolar disorder who associate cycles of mania and depression as in-sync with the phases of the moon. Understanding culture-bound forms of mental distress in settings such as Haiti is essential to developing accurate psychometrics for measuring mental health, as well as ensuring culturally appropriate and effective diagnosis and treatment.
Subject(s)
Bipolar Disorder , Mental Health , Humans , Haiti , Bipolar Disorder/therapy , Anxiety Disorders , AnxietyABSTRACT
Populations in countries such as Haiti demonstrate a high level of need for mental health care despite a lack of services and trained professionals. In addition to the dearth of biomedical services, local belief systems and explanatory models contribute to a majority of the population relying on traditional medicine as their first option for care. Using a mixed-methods approach, we aim to characterise mental illness at the first mental health clinic in the region - Sant Sante Mantal Mòn Pele (SSMMP) - by interviewing 96 patients with a demographic questionnaire as well as Anxiety, Depression, and Functionality Scales. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were conducted examining the impact of demographic variables on whether patients believed their illness was caused by sent spirits or previously visited a Vodou priest for treatment, as well as Depression, Anxiety, and Functionality Scale scores. Factors associated with mental illness in this sample included sex, number of traumatic events, physical health status, and number of sessions attended at SSMMP. Factors which impacted traditional beliefs or practices related to mental illness included sex, age, and income.
ABSTRACT
This study assesses the perspectives and experiences of Vodou priests (ougan) in the treatment of mental illness in northern Haiti. Our goal is to explore the etiology and popular nosologies of mental illness in the context of Haitian Vodou, through understandings of illness and misfortune which are often viewed as a result of sent spirits-or spirits sent supernaturally by others with the intent to cause harm. Using a qualitative approach, this study conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 20 ougan living near the city of Cap-Haïtien. Interviews highlight a sample of healers with little formal training who maintain beliefs and practices that differ significantly from current biomedical models. Ougan treat mental illness through a variety of means including prayer and conjuring of spirits, leaves for teas and baths, as well as combinations of perfumes, rum, human remains, and other powdered concoctions that are either imbibed or rubbed on the skin. The primary purpose of these treatments is to expel the spirit causing harm, yet they can often result in additional harm to the patient. Findings suggest that while ougan are willing to collaborate with biomedical practitioners, significant barriers remain preventing cooperation between these two groups.
