Abstract
Culture has a profound effect upon the manifestation of mental disorders.
Unusual cultural beliefs are usually inadequate explanations for symptoms, no matter how bizarre the belief may be. Other parameters — genetic, family interaction, role expectation and so on — must be considered.
Cultural beliefs can mask anxiety-laden intrapsychic dysfunction as well as maladaptive family behavioural patterns.
Fulfilment of role expectation is a significant determinant of psychological functioning.
Persistent awareness of psychopathology, together with a thorough familiarity with cultural aspects of an individual's background, is of utmost diagnostic importance. The absence of the latter leads to the danger of labeling and misunderstanding ‘symptoms’; the absence of the former can lead to the situation described in this case report.
Therapeutic endeavours must be multi-variant, and cultural consideration is but one important aspect.