Which term describes ghost sickness, a concern found in some Native American cultures?

Which term describes ghost sickness, a concern found in some Native American cultures?

• A. Ghost sickness
• B. Susto
• C. Nervios
• D. Mal de Ojo

Answer: (A)

Ghost sickness is a culture-bound syndrome described in some Native American communities. It’s tied to beliefs about spirits or ghosts and is thought to cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and a preoccupation with death. The term itself directly names the phenomenon within these cultural contexts, which is why it’s the best descriptor for this question. Other terms listed come from different cultural traditions and describe distinct syndromes with varying meanings and symptom patterns. Susto is linked to fright causing the soul’s misplacement in some Latin American cultures; Nervios refers to a broad state of emotional distress in related cultural contexts; Mal de Ojo denotes illness believed to result from the evil eye. Recognizing ghost sickness helps clinicians approach care in a way that respects Native American beliefs while addressing medical needs.

Ghost sickness is a culture-bound syndrome described in some Native American communities. It’s tied to beliefs about spirits or ghosts and is thought to cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and a preoccupation with death. The term itself directly names the phenomenon within these cultural contexts, which is why it’s the best descriptor for this question.

Other terms listed come from different cultural traditions and describe distinct syndromes with varying meanings and symptom patterns. Susto is linked to fright causing the soul’s misplacement in some Latin American cultures; Nervios refers to a broad state of emotional distress in related cultural contexts; Mal de Ojo denotes illness believed to result from the evil eye. Recognizing ghost sickness helps clinicians approach care in a way that respects Native American beliefs while addressing medical needs.