migrant and a hex

Expression of cultural beliefs in psychosomatic disorder. Case study

Abstract

The article presents a case of somatization that is aggravated when, due to a cultural belief, the patient assumes that she is a victim of a curse. Physical symptoms are aggravated and health concerns too. Local health services treat the patient for a psychiatric disorder. When seeking therapy in Spanish, the patient is treated for somatization disorder. Under the line of cognitive behavioral therapy CBT, it is possible to significantly reduce anxiety symptoms and concerns and false beliefs regarding illness and health. The belief in the "evil eye" hex was unmodifiable. However, CBT allows changing behaviors regarding the supposed hex. The use of activities and thoughts incompatible with the vulnerability to the "evil eye", allow the person to resume their normal activities and their social functioning is again adequate. The scores obtained in the final phase of the treatment, show a significant decrease in the questionnaires is evaluation inventories.