Susto

susto

[so̅o̅s′tō]

a culture-bound syndrome found in Central American populations related to stress engendered by a self-perceived failure to fulfill sex-role expectations.

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Susto

A folk illness that may affect Latinos in the Western Hemisphere, which develops days to years after an event frightening enough to—according to the tradition—cause the soul to leave the body—hence the alternative term, ‘perdida de alma’

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susto (sōō·stō),

n “soul loss,” an ethnomedical condition common to Latin America, an illness caused when the soul is displaced after a traumatic emotional or physical event. Can be a life-threatening illness character-ized by lethargy, lack of motivation, insomnia, and diarrhea and is usually treated through spiritual means, ritual cleansings, and herbal teas. Also called
espanto.