Mali-Mali

“Mali-mali” is a Filipino culture-bound syndrome which is characterized by thought, motor behavior, and speech disturbance, obedience to irrational commands, easily startled, uttering obscene words when poked, and exhaustion due to uncontrollable behavior. “Mali” means “wrong”; those with this condition have “wrong” or inappropriate behaviors. For instance, a fish vendor with “mali-mali” might throw a fish he was selling after being commanded to do so. Afterwards, he covers his face in shame. He also often utters words when poked and is observed to be quite jumpy.