Depression, Conversion, Possession and Family Relations: A Socio-cultural Study
Chun‐Yi Lee, Jung-Kwang Wen
臺灣精神醫學 September 1, 2011 DOI: 10.29478/tjp.201109.0009 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 46-year-old housewife patient with major depressive disorder |
| Topics | Depression |
| Key findings | The patient's symptoms progressed through somatization, hysterical conversion, dissociative trance, and spirit possession, and recovery involved conscious coping to restore interpersonal harmony. The authors propose that Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Shamanism influence mental health in East Asian socio-cultural contexts. |
Abstract
Objective: A socio-cultural model of depression in Confucianism-oriented societies has the basic assumption that its psychopathology is determined by the disturbance of a harmonious relationship with others. We present a case study in the context of the socio-cultural background to address the relevant issues regarding mental health. Case Report: A 46-year-old housewife patient with major depressive disorder, had progressive clinical features from somatization, hysterical conversion, to dissociative trance and spirit possession, through the emotional turmoil involving family relational problems. In the recovering process, the psychiatrists showed that she expressed the defense and coping mechanisms consciously to recover the interpersonal equilibrium.
Conclusion: The authors suggest that in this case report, Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Shamanism have influenced mental health, and mental illnesses of the people who share the common socio- cultural values in East Asia.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on depression, most cited first.