Int J Circumpolar Health. 2001 Apr; 60(2): 275-9.

Culture-bound mental disorders among the Tatars of the Siberian north.

Korolenko C, Muhamedzanov H.

Novosibirsk State Medical Academy, Department of Psychiatry. Korolenko@online.nsk.su

Several forms of culture-bound mental disorders and their shamanic treatment among the Tatars of North Siberia were studied: kizil kootalak--possession by the Spirit of Fertility; orak--moving in of the Spirit of Suicides; oolamchak--the disorder of the natural exchange between the inner and the outer Spirits that induces depression with lethal exit. The shamanic treatment included specific rituals where the shaman receives the support of helper Spirits and the Spirit of the Great Shaman. Misunderstandings concerning terms and concepts of culture-bound states are analysed.