Culture-bound syndromes and healing practices in Malaysia

Abstract

This paper describes prominent culture-bound syndromes (CBS) in Malaysia. While some of the syndromes are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV), their causation and treatment are not addressed. It is important for mental-health professionals to know that while the DSM-IV is widely used in many non-Western countries, the local population continues to believe in and practice indigenous methods of healing. Mental-health concepts and healing practices in the Malay and Chinese cultures, their clinical implications, and the need for ongoing research are emphasized.