susto

Susto, from the Spanish susto meaning fright or scare, is a traditional folk illness reported in Latin American and Caribbean communities. It is commonly described as resulting from a frightening event that disturbs the person’s inner balance, causing the soul or life force to become unsettled. In medical anthropology and transcultural psychiatry, susto is considered a culturally bound syndrome rather than a discrete biomedical diagnosis.

Symptoms are diverse and may include fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, and chronic pain, often triggered after an acute fright. Psychological symptoms can include sadness, anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of being overwhelmed. In some communities, the condition may also be linked to social problems, such as bereavement or poverty.

Causes and attribution: The core belief is that a frightening encounter can cause soul loss or spiritual disharmony, leading to illness. While the exact mechanism is culturally defined, susto often carries social and emotional meanings and may reflect distress that is not fully captured by biomedical categories. It is related to other culturally recognized conditions such as ataque de nervios.

Diagnosis and treatment: In traditional settings, healers such as curanderos or espiritistas may perform rituals, limpieza (cleansing), or other ceremonies to restore balance. Herbal remedies, prayer, and social support are common components. In biomedical care, clinicians may document susto as a somatic symptom disorder, anxiety, or depression, and treatment focuses on symptom relief, safety, and culturally sensitive care, sometimes integrating traditional practices with standard mental health services.

Cultural context and research: Susto is reported in many Latin American countries and among immigrant communities in the United States and elsewhere. It highlights how cultural beliefs shape illness experience and help-seeking. Researchers view susto as a facet of medical anthropology and transcultural psychiatry, illustrating the interaction between culture, emotion, and health.