Latah
Latah from Southeast Asia is a condition in which a person experiences a shock which results in abnormal behaviors. When surprised, the affected person typically engages in such behaviors as screaming, cursing, dancing type movements and uncontrollable laughter.[1]
Latah is considered a culture-specific startle disorder[2][3] that was historically regarded as personal difference rather than an illness.[1][3]
Persons with Latah mimic movements of those similar to the behavior that a child would during certain developmental stages.[citation needed]
Similar conditions have been recorded within other cultures and locations, such as, the so-called Jumping Frenchmen of Maine, women of the Ainu people of Japan (imu), Siberian (miryachit), Filipino and Thai peoples; however, the connection among these syndromes has been controversial.[1]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Winzeler R (April 1984). "The Study of Malayan Latah". Indonesia 37: 77–104.
- ↑ Dreissen YE, Tijssen MA (December 2012). "The startle syndromes: physiology and treatment". Epilepsia. 53 Suppl 7: 3–11. doi:10.1111/j.1528-1167.2012.03709.x. PMID 23153204.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Gimlette JD (August 1897). "Remarks on the Etiology, Symptoms, and Treatment of Latah, with a Report of Two Cases". Br Med J 2 (1912): 455–7. PMC 2407745. PMID 20757229.
Further reading
- Kenny MG. LATAH: The symbolism of a putative mental disorder
- Simons RC (November 2001). "Introduction to Culture-Bound Syndromes". Psychiatric Times. XVIII (11).
- "Nova et Vetera". Br Med J 1 (2669): 438–46. February 1912. PMC 2345217. PMID 20766030.
- "Special Correspondence". Br Med J. 7 (1423): 764. 1888 April. PMC 2197720.