British Journal of Medical Psychology
Volume 69, Issue 3, 1996, Pages 207-225

The 'Zar' possession syndrome among Ethiopian immigrants to Israel: Cultural and clinical aspects (Article)

Witztum E.* , Grisaru N. , Budowski D.
  • a Faculty of Health Sciences, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Neger, PO Box 4600, Beer-Sheva, Israel
  • b Faculty of Health Sciences, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Neger, PO Box 4600, Beer-Sheva, Israel
  • c 'Bahelachin' - Inst. Culture E., POB 17125, Tel-Aviv, 61171, Israel

Abstract

This article describes a cultural pattern related to altered stales of consciousness, observed amongst new immigrants from Ethiopia in Israel. The beiief in possession by Zar spirits is one of the most common possession phenomena in Africa and in other continents. Possession by Zar is expressed by a wide range of behaviours, such as involuntary movements (often resembling epileptiform convulsions), mutism and incomprehensible language. Such behaviour can be misinterpreted as representing symptoms of neurologic or psychiatric disorders. Such misinterpretation has led to inappropriate psychiatric admissions and to misdiagnosis of such cases as major psychiatric disorders. The article illustrates the Zar phenomenon by three clinical vignettes and discusses its cultural and anthropological aspects, as well as its clinical implications within a Western society.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

anthropology case report female immigrant Behavior diagnostic error Israel language mutism cultural factor consciousness Article Ethiopia mental disease clinical feature human adult involuntary movement
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-18044397124&doi=10.1111%2fj.2044-8341.1996.tb01865.x&partnerID=40&md5=563df6c3a206797530addb52141da90c
DOI: 10.1111/j.2044-8341.1996.tb01865.x
ISSN: 00071129
Cited by: 23
Original Language: English