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

saabramowitz@yahoo.comUS: 617-599-0191 Liberia: +231 (06) 613-810