The 'Zar' possession syndrome among Ethiopian immigrants to Israel: cultural and clinical aspects.

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  • Author(s): Witztum E;Witztum E; Grisaru N; Budowski D
  • Source:
    The British journal of medical psychology [Br J Med Psychol] 1996 Sep; Vol. 69 ( Pt 3), pp. 207-25.
  • Publication Type:
    Case Reports; Journal Article
  • Language:
    English
  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: British Psychological Society Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 0370640 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 0007-1129 (Print) Linking ISSN: 00071129 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Br J Med Psychol Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Publication: Letchworth Eng : British Psychological Society
      Original Publication: London [etc.]
    • Subject Terms:
      Culture* ; Emigration and Immigration*; Jews/*psychology ; Mental Disorders/*diagnosis ; Mental Disorders/*psychology; Adult ; Ethiopia ; Female ; Humans ; Israel/ethnology ; Mental Disorders/therapy ; Middle Aged ; Syndrome
    • Abstract:
      This article describes a cultural pattern related to altered states of consciousness, observed amongst new immigrants from Ethiopia in Israel. The belief in possession by Zar spirits is one of the most common possession phenomena in Africa and in other continents. Possession by Zar is expressed by a wide range of behaviours, such as involuntary movements (often resembling epileptiform convulsions), mutism and incomprehensible language. Such behaviour can be misinterpreted as representing symptoms of neurologic or psychiatric disorders. Such misinterpretation has led to inappropriate psychiatric admissions and to misdiagnosis of such cases as major psychiatric disorders. The article illustrates the Zar phenomenon by three clinical vignettes and discusses its cultural and anthropological aspects, as well as its clinical implications within a Western society.
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 19960901 Date Completed: 19970129 Latest Revision: 20190914
    • Publication Date:
      20221213
    • Accession Number:
      10.1111/j.2044-8341.1996.tb01865.x
    • Accession Number:
      8883974