Managing Suffering: Open Mole and Trauma Among Liberian Women
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Managing Suffering: Open Mole and Trauma Among Liberian Women
description
Managing Suffering: Open Mole and Trauma Among Liberian Women. Research Parameters. Participant observation methodology with MDM mobile health team’s psych unit Audited 39 clinical interviews with adult men and women complaining of Open Mole Research conducted in Bong County, 12/06 & 2/07. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of Managing Suffering: Open Mole and Trauma Among Liberian Women
Managing Suffering: Open Mole and Trauma Among
Liberian Women
Research Parameters
• Participant observation methodology with MDM mobile health team’s psych unit
• Audited 39 clinical interviews with adult men and women complaining of Open Mole
• Research conducted in Bong County, 12/06 & 2/07
What is open mole?
Common Symptoms of Open Mole
• A soft spot in the center of the head, sunken fontanel
• Severe headache• Neck pain• Back pain• Tiredness• Weakness• Sleeping problems• Decline in appetite • Bad dreams, nightmares• Worriness • Forgetfulness• Loss of interest in usual
activities
• Eyes swinging, swimming• Fast heartbeat• Headache• General body pain• Heat throughout the body• Trembling• Hearing voices and sounds• Crying• Self-isolation• Confusion• Wanting life to end• Fear of death
Case Studies
Open Mole and Trauma• Treatment options
– Prayer– Traditional medicine– Social support, counseling– Psychiatric medications– Over-the-counter medications
(Diazepam, etc)– Madness (running into the bush)– Life solutions
Sharon Abramowitz, PhD CandidateDept. of Anthropology, Harvard University
[email protected]: 617-599-0191 Liberia: +231 (06) 613-810
