Integrative Psychodynamic Treatment of Ataque de Nervios

Abstract

With the evolving demographics in the U.S. population, Latinos are the largest racial/ethnic community in the United States and face many barriers to psychological well-being and overall health. Some Latinos present with culturally influenced idioms of distress such as ataque de nervios. Associations between ataque de nervios and a range of social and psychiatric vulnerabilities among Latinos living on the United States mainland have been found. An integrative, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive psychodynamic perspective can help with understanding and treating ataque de nervios. This case study presents the treatment of a young undocumented Latina mother experiencing ataque de nervios. A psychodynamic approach, integrated with narrative therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, is illustrated.