Psyche and Soma: Susto and Diabetes

Flaskerud, Jacquelyn H.; Calvillo, Evelyn Ruiz

doi:10.1080/01612840701415991

Cited by 4 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 7 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…There is also a broad line of research that links susto to a heightened probability of developing diabetes ( Concha et al, 2016 ; Moreira et al, 2018 ; Page-Pliego, 2015 ; Palmquist et al, 2012 ; Sullivan et al, 2010 ). Some research considers susto a strong emotional trauma that can trigger diabetes ( Flaskerud & Ruiz-Calvillo, 2007 ; García de Alba-García et al, 2015 ; García Reza et al, 2014 ; Montesi, 2017 ). Other research suggests that having experienced susto also increases the chances of developing other diseases ( Lemley & Spies, 2015 ; Pagani et al, 2017 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Susto as a cultural conceptualization of distress: Existing research and aspects to consider for future investigations

Martínez-Radl

Hinton

Stangier

2023

Transcult Psychiatry

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Among the cultural conceptualizations of distress, susto is defined in the DSM-5 as “a cultural explanation of distress and misfortune in Latin America that refers to an illness attributed to a terrifying event that causes the soul to leave the body and leads to unhappiness and illness, as well as difficulties in performing key social functions” (American Psychiatric Association (APA) (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition. Washington, DC: APA, p. 836). Thus, susto represents a cultural explanation that encompasses the symptoms of various mental disorders and physical diseases. We analyzed the descriptions of susto from different scientific fields and related them to definitions of DSM-5 syndromes. Three syndromic subtypes of susto show a symptomatic overlap with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and somatic disorder. However, linguistic metaphors describing symptoms and perceived causes that are specific for Latin American culture support the concept of susto as a specific idiom of distress (e.g., loss of soul, shadow or ajayu; sunken, closed or white eyes; jumping and screaming in the night; being thrown to the ground). In addition, if diagnostic criteria are met for mental disorders, then susto describes a perceived cause of psychopathological states (e.g., depressive disorder, PTSD, somatic disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder). Future research with people who have experienced susto is needed to clarify whether susto precedes the onset of other mental disorders (perceived cause) or whether it is a way of designating distress (idiom of distress).

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Susto as a cultural conceptualization of distress: Existing research and aspects to consider for future investigations

Martínez-Radl

Hinton

Stangier

2023

Transcult Psychiatry

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The Hispanic concept susto , meaning “fright,” is a folk illness belief that refers to “an episode of severe fright or a terrifying emotional experience” (Dura‐Villa & Hodes, ; Poss, Jezewski, & Stuart, , p. 306), which can be related to financial or relationship problems or from witnessing a tragedy (Flaskerud & Calvillo, ). In a study by Coronado, Thompson, Tejeda, and Godina (), subjects gave examples of witnessing their child fainting and losing a child as susto ‐provoking events.…”

Section: Sustomentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Susto may also be thought to make the body more susceptible to disease. Some Mexican American immigrants consider susto to be one risk factor among many for diabetes while others deny any association between susto and diabetes (Flaskerud & Calvillo, ; Palmquist et al., ; Poss et al., ).…”

Section: Sustomentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Considering the bidirectional relationship between type II diabetes and depression and the belief that susto causes type II diabetes, healthcare practitioners may be required to concomitantly address the susto component to effectively achieve glycemic control. Flaskerud and Calvillo () suggest assessing for symptoms of anxiety and sadness alongside polyuria, polyphagia, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss in this population. In the case study, Ms. Mena referred to a susto ‐like event triggering the onset of her diabetes.…”

Section: Sustomentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In regards to managing susto , interventions to alleviate stress may need to take priority over lifestyle changes in order to successfully achieve glycemic goals (Flaskerud & Calvillo, ). Lifestyle changes may seem too overwhelming if stress is not adequately addressed.…”

Section: Recommendations For Practicementioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Traditional beliefs and practices among Mexican American immigrants with type II diabetes: A case study

Lemley¹,

Spies

2015

Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose To describe selected common health beliefs and practices among Mexican American immigrants with type II diabetes. Data sources Selected clinical trials, qualitative studies, and systematic reviews. Conclusions The Hispanic folk illness belief susto refers to an episode of severe fright, and Mexican American immigrants hold varying views on its relation to diabetes. Culturally and in the research, susto has also been linked with depression. Sabila (aloe vera) and nopal (prickly pear cactus) are herbal remedies that have had widespread, longstanding use in Mexican culture and while this is not the gold standard of research, it does provide ample evidence and a strong cultural belief that these therapies work. There is some evidence in the literature to support their efficacy as glucose‐lowering agents, but lack of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation, potential side effects, and a dearth of rigorous clinical trials preclude aloe vera and nopal from being recommended therapy. Implications for practice Awareness about susto beliefs, commonly used herbal remedies, and development of culturally sensitive communication skills are essential for nurse practitioners to effectively assist patients in this population achieve their glycemic goals. Research on the effects of nopal and aloe vera on diabetes is needed to guide clinical decisions.

show abstract

Diabetes and Depression: Management in Ordinary Clinical Conditions

Hellman

Ciechanowski

2010

Depression and Diabetes

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Psyche and Soma: Susto and Diabetes

Cited by 4 publications

References 7 publications

Susto as a cultural conceptualization of distress: Existing research and aspects to consider for future investigations

Susto as a cultural conceptualization of distress: Existing research and aspects to consider for future investigations

Traditional beliefs and practices among Mexican American immigrants with type II diabetes: A case study

Diabetes and Depression: Management in Ordinary Clinical Conditions

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About