Mal De Pelea

Mal de pelea is Spanish for “fighting sickness”; it is also termed as hyperkinetic seizure, ataque,de nervios, hysterical psychosis, and Puerto Rican syndrome. This Puerto Rican culture bound syndrome is characterized by being disconnected from one’s thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, a period of intense brooding, withdrawal, and violently attacking others. In worst cases, this amok-like behavior may lead to homicide.