Answer to Question #243945 in Sociology for thompho

Question

Specific culture disorder essay

Answer 1

Specific culture disorder is a combination of brain and body symptoms that are considered to be a recognizable disease only within a specific society or culture. There are no objective structural alterations of body organs or functions and the disease is not recognized in other cultures. Specific culture disorder is characterized by the following; Categorization as a disease in the culture, widespread familiarity in the culture, complete lack of familiarity or misunderstanding of the condition to people in other cultures, no objectively demonstrable biochemical or tissue abnormalities and the condition is usually recognized and treated by the folk medicine of the culture.

Some culture-specific disorders involve pain or disturbed function of a body part, while others are purely behavioral. Some appear with similar features in several cultures, but with locally specific traits. The term culture disorder is controversial since it replicates the different opinions of anthropologists and therapists. The changes to society in the last decade, including technological advancements and increased globalization, has broadened cross-cultural influences and reduced cultural isolation.

Finally, the cultural formulation consultation guide will help clinicians to assess cultural factors influencing patients’ perspectives of their symptoms and treatment options. It includes questions about patients’ background in terms of their culture, race, ethnicity, religion or geographical origin.