Choreomania
Choreomania (pronounced: koh-ree-oh-may-nee-uh) is a condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to dance. The term is derived from the Greek words "choreia" (dance) and "mania" (madness).
Etymology
The term "Choreomania" is derived from the Greek words "choreia" (χορεία), which means "dance", and "mania" (μανία), which means "madness" or "frenzy". It was first used in the 19th century to describe a phenomenon observed in various parts of Europe, where groups of people would spontaneously begin to dance with apparent abandon.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of Choreomania is an uncontrollable urge to dance. This can manifest in a variety of ways, from rhythmic swaying to more complex and energetic movements. Other symptoms may include exhaustion, dehydration, and in severe cases, physical injuries due to prolonged dancing.
Related Terms
- Dance therapy: A therapeutic approach that uses dance and movement to improve mental and physical well-being.
- Tarantism: A form of Choreomania, believed to have occurred in Italy between the 15th and 17th centuries, where victims were said to have been bitten by a tarantula.
- St. Vitus' Dance: Another name for Sydenham's chorea, a disorder characterized by rapid, uncoordinated jerking movements.
Historical Cases
One of the most famous cases of Choreomania is the Dancing Plague of 1518, which took place in Strasbourg, France. Hundreds of people took to the streets, dancing for days without rest, and over the period of about one month, most of them died from heart attack, stroke, or exhaustion.
Treatment
Treatment for Choreomania typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition. This can include psychological therapy, medication, or in some cases, physical therapy.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Choreomania
- Wikipedia's article - Choreomania
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