Causes of Mental Illness (Traditional Healers)
Types of Mental Illness among Yoruba tribe of Nigeria
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1. Were EPE |
Psychotic illness attributed to curses |
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2. Were Sopona, Were Olode, Were Baba |
Severe infections especially small pox and chicken pox |
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3. Were Anjonu |
Psychotic illnesses due to spirits |
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4. Were Abatorunwa/Iran |
Inherited psychotic illness |
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5. Dindinrin, A lore |
Mental subnormality |
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6. Were afise nipa gbigbe ogun fun je |
Psychotic illnesses resulting from poison |
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7. Were igbo mimu |
Psychotic illnesses resulting from smoking Indian hemp |
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8. Were Inuun, ode ori, irony |
Bizarre behavior arising from thinking too much on a problem. Symptoms usually felt in the head, chest or abdomen. |
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9. Were latiowo aje tabi oso |
Mental illness by witches or wizards |
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10. Were abisinwin |
Puerperal psychosis |
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11. Were warapa |
Mental Illnesses associated with epilepsy |
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12. Were ponbele |
Acute psychotic illness within any discernible cause |
Classification of Mental Illness by Traditional Healers
In their diagnostic classifications, the traditional healer rely on two main factors:
1. The etiological factors
2. The symptomology
The major mental illnesses identified by the traditional healers can be divided into eight broad groups according to the traditional healers’ conception of causation or presentation.
1. Mental illnesses caused by supernatural powers, e.g: “Were Asasi” – Mental illness “Were Aganna” – Mental illness due to infections, e.g. small pox “Were Anjonu” – Mentla illness due to spirits
2. Inherited mental illnesses, e.g. “ Were Iran ” – (in the family) “Abatorunwa” – (brought from heaven) “Were Gidi” – (the true insanity)
3. Neurotic illnesses, e.g. “Ode ori” – Heat in the head “Innu” – Fearful feelings, palpitations, insomnia
Mental illnesses labeled with the dominating symptoms:
“Were alaroye” –Mental illness with unabated talking. “Were tutu” – Withdrawn patients, possibly catatonic stupor or depression. “Were asaka” –Restless, wandering and uncontrollable mentally ill client. “Were alaso” – A mentally ill person preoccupied with collection of rages and junk.“Were yada, yobe” – Physically aggressive clients going around with dangerous instruments, such as knives or cutlass.