Ghost Illness Case Study Psychology

Psychology Homework #2 – Journal Article Review - Morgan Wolf
Putsch, R. W. (1988). Ghost illness: A cross-cultural experience the expression of a non-western tradition in clinical practice. American Indian and Alaska Mental Health Research, 2(2): 6-26. History and Background Many Native cultures have a history of a condition referred to as Ghost Illness, a sickness reportedly inflicted by the dead in an attempt to take the living with them. It is often associated with varying physical illnesses, depression and/or suicidal tendencies presenting after the death of a family member or close friend that the patient then begins seeing in dreams. Native cultures across the globe have unique beliefs, superstitions and traditions concerning
The patient expressed that her father was driving her to kill herself, and the dreams were proof she was going to die. Treatment involved resolving cultural issues between the patient and her Mexican Catholic husband and his family, then allowing the patient to return to the Navajo reservation to perform the rituals to appease the dead as indicated by the Navajo Ceremonialist. Once the Ghost Illness was addressed, the patient was able to continue treatment for her physical medical issues with success (Putsch, 1988). The second patient was a Salish woman, who presented with multiple symptoms, including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and depression, but the arthritis was so severe the patient was unable to care for herself. The patient placed the onset of her arthritic symptoms on a date following a visit from her late father, and indicated the illness may have resulted from not observing a clearing ritual after participating in a healing ceremony for another person. This patient also felt that she was going to die, that she would be joining her father’s spirit. This patient sought traditional Salish treatment, but the medicine men determined the spirit that had attached to her was too powerful and suggested she seek treatment from a Western doctor. Discovery during that treatment
How a patient interprets their illness can be subject to cultural beliefs, and even determine if the experience is viewed as harmful or benevolent. Evidence presented with Ghost Illness indicated this is a valid human experience, and that inclusion of customs, rituals and taboos of individual cultures should be considered in treatment; even when Western treatment options may be at odds with