"תחושת בטן": הפרעות אכילה בקרב צעירות יוצאות אתיופיה בישראל והתסמין בראי התרבות

In recent decades there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of eating disorders among non-Western populations. However, there is evidence in the scientific literature which indicates various forms of ED expression among different cultural groups. In this article, we will focus on eating disorders as a possible manifestation of mental distress among Ethiopian women in Israel. We will address the unique socio-cultural circumstances and aspects, such as the immigration process, the integration into Israeli society, identity issues and traumatic situations, that may be helpful with the assessment process and treatment. Challenges related to cultural perceptions of health and mental and physical conditions, and especially eating disorders, will also be discussed. For illustration, two case studies will be presented. In the discussion, a culturally-sensitive diagnostic model is proposed that may help to understand eating disorder symptoms among these applicants, including reference to aspects related to the culture of origin, the process of migration, and the encounter between cultures. This model assumes that the observation of clinical cases from different cultural backgrounds cannot be achieved solely through a Western diagnostic prism. In addition,an integrated diagnosis that includes Western orientation diagnostics, a Cultural Formulation Interview and a complex post-traumatic image will be presented extensively