Conversion disorder: A case report of treatment with the Main Puteri, a Malay shamanastic healing ceremony

We report on the case of a 38-year-old Malay housewife diagnosed with conve rsion disorder. It was believed that 'evil spirits' caused her symptoms. Th e patient was eventually treated by the Main Puteri, a Malay shamanistic he aling ceremony, after previous treatments failed. The patient improved on t he third day of the performance, which was attributed to the departure of t he spirits from her body. This case documents the potential benefits of ind igenous psychotherapy. (C) 1999 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevie r SAS.