Anxiety disorders are fairly common worldwide, affecting an estimated 16.6% of the world population each year. Many phobias are common across all groups, transcending age, gender and socioeconomic status. Examples of these phobias can be found at Top 10 Common Phobias. Other phobias, however, appear almost exclusively among particular cultural groups.
These do not precisely fit the guidelines delineated in the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Ed.) for the diagnosis of phobias, but appear to share many of the characteristics of phobias.
Ataque de Nervios
This condition appears almost exclusively among Hispanic clients. The condition is much more prevalent in females than in males. Symptoms include:
- Uncontrollable Screaming
- Uncontrollable Crying
- Inability to Move
- Fainting
- Loss of Memory
Ataque de nervios shares many symptoms with a panic attack or phobia. However, panic attacks tend to occur in situations that are not inherently frightening. A phobia is defined as an irrational fear of something specific.
Ataque de nervios is generally triggered by a situation that most people would consider frightening. However, the severity of the reaction is much worse than most people experience. Additionally, people who experience ataque de nervios generally do not fear encountering a similar situation in the future.
Taijin Kyofusho
This condition appears almost exclusively among those of Japanese descent, and much less often among other Asian cultures. The condition is almost an exact reversal of social phobia. Rather than a fear of being embarrassed by others, it is marked by a fear of one’s appearance or physical body offending others.
Taijin kyofusho is a recognized disorder in Japan, but does not precisely meet the criteria of any particular diagnosis in Western culture.
Koro
Koro is a phobia specific to Asian males. The specific fear is of the genitals retracting into the body, eventually leading to death.
Koro is unusual in Western thought, in that it involves elements of multiple types of disorders. The fact that it produces extreme fear makes it an anxiety disorder. The fact that the fear is of a strange physical symptom qualifies it for a somatoform disorder. The fact that such a physical condition is unheard of marks koro as a possible delusional disorder.
Koro meets many but not all of the DSM-IV criteria for a phobia. However, more research into the phenomenon is necessary to determine whether this is the most appropriate diagnosis.
Conclusion
As we move toward a global society, mental health professionals from every cultural background will work with clients whose worldviews are far different from their own. Only through continued research will we be able to continuously update our information to provide a more complete picture of global mental health.
Source:Friedman, Steven. Cultural Issues in the Treatment of Anxiety. 1997. New York: Guilford Press.
