Generally, Hwabyung is more commen in older women, in low educational group. Many psychiatrists explain it as the illness originated from a series of psychologica stresses. And they think that Hwabyung patients have somatization disorder, anxiety disorder, and, major depression. But, many of oriental medical doctors explain it as symptoms having the character of fire.
In order to investigate the clinical aspects of Hwabyung, this study was carried out in department of oriental neuropsychiatry at Kyung Hee Medical Center. The subject was 34 year old female who was an inpatient in K.M.C from Aug. 14 Aug 26, 1996.
The results of the study showed that familial problem and long-termed(about 10 years) stressed situation drove her to Hwabyung. This seems to be related to Korean traditional culture. That is, Korean women were exposured to familial problem(related to mother-in-law, and, her husband), and, poverty, etc. But they had to be patient of this situation.
Nowadays, though this situation is rather improved, Hwabyung remains a problem with us, because many people still suffer from Hwabyung.
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