Managing Suffering: Open Mole and Trauma Among Liberian Women
Jan 11, 2016
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 Candidate
Dept. of Anthropology, Harvard University
US: 617-599-0191 Liberia: +231 (06) 613-810