Culture And Psychopathology: A Guide To Clinical Assessment

CHAPTER SIX

Dissociation

Richard J. Castillo, Ph.D.

CASE VIGNETTES

Case 1

Mrs. Lee, a 35-year-old Taiwanese housewife and the mother of three children, was brought by her family to see a psychiatrist. She had been a successful spirit medium, practicing for two years since the delivery of her second child. However, one month before, following the delivery of her third child, she began to lose her self-control. She would speak in tongues and go into possession trances, even when she was not being consulted by a client. She became hyperaroused, talked all day, and was unable to sleep at night. Because of her overtalkativeness and excitement, and ...