Addressing Dissociative Trance Disorder Patients in India: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Adolescent Girls' Help-Seeking and Encounters with Inaccurate Medical Information
Journal of Applied Research on Children Informing Policy for Children at Risk October 27, 2023 Devendra Kumar Singh Varshney, Manju Agrawal, Rakesh Kumar Tripathi 3 citations
Misinformation about Dissociative Trance Disorder (DTD) delays diagnosis and treatment for adolescent girls in India. In-depth interviews with six girls and young women in Sikkim revealed three major themes: challenges in seeking diagnosis and treatment, emotional and psychological struggles, and support and healing journeys. Cultural beliefs, reliance on exorcism, and insufficient healthcare training contribute to the problem. Awareness campaigns are needed to correct misconceptions and promote accurate understanding among parents, communities, and providers. Culturally sensitive approaches and collaboration among stakeholders are crucial for improving care, while balancing respect for individual faith with evidence-based interventions.