Buzz
While global health crises like epidemics and pandemics often steal the spotlight, there exists a unique category of illnesses and mental disorders that are exclusive to specific cultural groups or geographic areas.
In the realm of Western medicine, these conditions often remain enigmatic, with no clear cause, explanation, or cure. Many within the affected communities believe these ailments stem from supernatural forces such as spirits, curses, or witchcraft.
10. Uppgivenhetssyndrom
Uppgivenhetssyndrom is a bizarre condition exclusively impacting refugee children from former Soviet or Yugoslav nations residing in Sweden. The illness manifests abruptly when these children learn their families face deportation to their home countries. They display coma-like symptoms, refusing to move, speak, or eat, remaining bedridden as if lifeless.
A notable case involved two sisters from Kosovo, one of whom lost the ability to walk after learning of her family's impending deportation. Her sister soon followed, and both remained in a coma-like state for two years. These children only recover when the Swedish government cancels the deportation order and permits their families to stay, though recovery often takes months.
In another documented instance, a boy remained bedridden for three additional months even after his family's deportation notice was revoked and residency was granted. While he eventually opened his eyes and sat up, he required assistance to hold his head upright.
9. Amafufunyana
Amafufunyana is a condition specific to the Zulu and Xhosa communities in South Africa. It is characterized by a person’s stomach speaking in a language unfamiliar to them.
For example, among the Xhosa, there are accounts of the stomach speaking Zulu. The stomach issues threats and commands to the affected individual. One woman’s stomach declared she would never bear children and threatened her with seizures and death. Another girl was instructed to leap in front of a moving vehicle.
Those afflicted often endure nightmares, exhaustion, and insomnia. They may also exhibit anger, extreme agitation, and suicidal tendencies. In some cases, they begin speaking in an unfamiliar voice.
Traditional healers attribute the condition to a curse. The curse is believed to involve ants taken from a deceased person’s grave, transformed into poison, and administered to the victim. Once consumed, the victim starts hearing their stomach speak.
From 1981 to 1983, over 400 schoolchildren in South Africa were affected by amafufunyana. The children experienced swollen stomachs and exhibited erratic behavior, such as kicking chairs and desks. Their stomachs reportedly spoke Zulu, claiming they were sent to possess the children.
Three women were accused of causing the incident. Two managed to escape, but the third was apprehended and nearly killed by the enraged children. The children were arrested and faced assault charges. However, their erratic behavior in court led to the case being postponed five times.
8. Running Amok
The English phrase “(to) run amok” describes acting wildly or uncontrollably, essentially meaning “to go crazy.” This expression originates from “running amok,” a condition specific to the indigenous people of Malaysia, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Those affected display violent, unpredictable behavior and may even attempt suicide.
Running amok has been recorded for approximately 200 years and is classified as a mental disorder in Western medicine. It is thought to stem from the isolation of native tribes and is influenced by their spiritual beliefs. However, indigenous communities attribute the condition to a spirit possessing the body.
The only known remedy for running amok is to kill the afflicted individual, though this is perilous as the victim will resist and attempt to kill their attacker. Alternatively, leaving the patient alone may lead to recovery, provided they do not take their own life. However, survivors often suffer from amnesia, unable to recall the events that transpired.
7. Hikikomori
Hikikomori is a mental condition unique to Japanese youth, translating to “withdrawal” or “pulling inward.” It manifests when young individuals isolate themselves at home for months, engaging in little activity beyond deep thought. Some exhibit obsessive-compulsive tendencies, repeatedly cleaning their rooms or self-harming. Most affected individuals are over 25 years old, with 80% being male.
Sociologists attribute hikikomori to Western influences on Japan’s labor market. Traditionally, Japanese students secure jobs right after college and remain employed for life. However, those who deviate—by working after high school or delaying employment—struggle to catch up with peers who followed the traditional path, leading to feelings of inadequacy and withdrawal.
A government-sponsored study in Japan found that 236,000 individuals were affected by hikikomori in 2010. The government struggles to comprehend the condition, and its funded research has only added to the confusion due to the inability to provide a clear definition. This lack of classification results in ineffective treatment for those suffering.
6. Wendigo Psychosis
Wendigo psychosis is a rare mental condition that drives individuals to crave human flesh, primarily associated with Native American tribes in the northeast. However, its existence is debated due to a lack of concrete evidence, leading some to believe it is a myth. Anthropologists suggest it may have been a broad term for mental illness.
There are no documented cases of someone with Wendigo psychosis actively consuming human flesh. In the early 1900s, missionary J.E. Saindon encountered a woman with the disorder who showed no desire to eat flesh but avoided strangers out of fear she might harm them. Her fear stemmed from the belief that strangers intended to kill her.
Other reports of Wendigo psychosis remain highly disputed. One case involves a man who allegedly murdered and consumed his family members following the death of his eldest son. Another account centers on Jack Fiddler, who was tried and executed for “curing” someone with the disorder—essentially killing them.
5. Hwa-byung
Hwa-byung, or “fire disease,” is a condition unique to Koreans. It describes the intense emotions experienced by someone who suppresses their anger, earning it the nickname “suppressed anger syndrome.” Koreans believe hwa-byung persists from the moment anger is repressed until the individual can no longer contain it, often leading to lengthy, detailed outbursts.
Those affected frequently report a burning sensation in their chest or body. They also experience dizziness, depression, anger, weakness, irritability, paranoia, and fatigue. Additional symptoms include headaches and blurred vision.
Hwa-byung is prevalent among impoverished Koreans and women aged 40–50. Many women develop the condition due to infertility or pressure from their in-laws. It also arises when they discover their husbands are unfaithful.
4. Pibloktoq
Pibloktoq, also known as “Arctic hysteria,” was first identified in 1892 and is specific to the Inuit people of the Arctic. Those affected often become highly agitated, screaming, tearing off their clothes, and running naked in freezing conditions for hours until they collapse and fall asleep. Upon waking, they typically recover fully.
The Inuit attribute pibloktoq to spirit possession and view the condition positively, as it may bring revelations from these spirits. Consequently, sufferers are usually left alone unless they pose a danger to themselves.
Researchers suggest pibloktoq may result from multiple factors, such as the high-fat diet of the Inuit, vitamin A deficiency, and the extreme cold. European sailors stranded in the Arctic during the 19th century and even Inuit sled dogs have reportedly experienced similar symptoms.
3. Shenkui
Shenkui is a condition unique to the Chinese, characterized by the fear or actual loss of male energy, known as yang. Those affected believe they are losing their yang and masculinity through semen loss, which they associate with masturbation, excessive sexual activity, nocturnal emissions, or passing white urine.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidney is often blamed for this condition, as it is believed to convert blood into semen. A deficiency in semen is thus sometimes linked to kidney weakness.
To prevent yang loss, Chinese men develop pa-leng and pa-feng, which are fears of cold and wind, respectively. They combat these fears by wearing heavy clothing and consuming hot foods.
2. Grisi Siknis
Grisi siknis is a mental condition affecting the Miskito people of Nicaragua. Those afflicted often fall into a coma-like state before suddenly erupting into violent outbursts. During these episodes, they wield weapons to fend off invisible foes and attempt to flee their communities with their eyes shut. Their agitation is so intense that it often takes four people to restrain them.
Grisi siknis frequently impacts entire groups simultaneously. In one instance, 60 individuals in a single community were struck by the condition at the same time. Western medicine classifies it as a form of mass hysteria, treating it with anticonvulsants and antidepressants, though these treatments are ineffective.
The Miskito tribe attributes grisi siknis to curses and seeks help from traditional healers. Investigations following a 1950s outbreak suggested the condition was caused by hallucinations, likely induced by hallucinogenic drugs deliberately added to the tribe’s water supply.
1. Wild Pig Syndrome
Wild pig syndrome, also known as wild man syndrome, affects young men of the Gururumba tribe in New Guinea. Those afflicted suddenly turn aggressive and act erratically, stealing items indiscriminately and shooting arrows at random individuals. After several days of such behavior, the sufferer flees into the wilderness, where they recover and return to normal.
The Gururumba tribe attributes wild pig syndrome to a bite from the ghost of a deceased person. The irrational actions of the victim are seen as evidence of their inability to handle life’s frustrations and control their behavior.
