Cultures and Psychiatric Diagnoses

According to our textbook, some psychological disorders are specific to certain cultures. For example, amok is usually found out in Malaysia, the Philippines, and some African countries. Also, even confronting with the same disease, people from western and eastern countries express in different ways. Social anxiety is a typical example.
The authors conclude that since western people focus more on "externally" thoughts, they are more sensitive to psychological problems. While eastern people pay more attention to "internally" thoughts, and hence more sensitive to somatic symptoms. I don't totally agree with this idea. I think another factor may also play a critical role. Psychology is relatively new area in many Asian counties, and people do not know much about psychological disorders and their symptoms. Some people are still worrying about food and clothing. In addition, the eastern society generally does not provide essential knowledge and information in everyday life. However, western countries have a longer history dealing with metal problems, so people are more exposed to information related to psychological disorders.
I don't know why some eating disorders are more pervasive in United States and Europe since I don't think people in America are exposed to more and thinner models. From my perspective, Asian media is filled with super skinny girls, and Asian girls pay more attention to lose weight all the time. I think maybe self-esteem is a reason why eating disorders are more common here because people from western cultures generally have higher self-esteem.