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 (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.