Mass psychogenic illness: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 05:19, 16 February 2025

Overview

Mass psychogenic illness (MPI), also known as mass hysteria, is a phenomenon that involves the rapid spread of illness signs and symptoms affecting members of a cohesive group, originating from a nervous system disturbance involving excitation, loss, or alteration of function, whereby physical complaints that are exhibited unconsciously have no corresponding organic etiology.

Characteristics

MPI is characterized by the sudden onset of physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and abdominal pain, which are not attributable to any identifiable physical cause. These symptoms often spread rapidly among individuals in close proximity, such as in schools, workplaces, or communities.

Historical Examples

One of the most famous historical examples of MPI is the Dancing Plague of 1518, where numerous people in Strasbourg, France, began dancing uncontrollably for days. The image "Dance at Molenbeek" depicts a similar event, illustrating the intense and uncontrollable nature of such outbreaks.

Causes

The exact cause of MPI is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and social influence. The phenomenon is more likely to occur in groups under stress or in environments where there is a high level of suggestibility.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing MPI involves ruling out other potential causes of the symptoms, such as infectious diseases or exposure to toxins. Medical professionals often rely on the absence of a physical cause and the presence of psychological stressors to diagnose MPI.

Management

Managing MPI typically involves addressing the psychological and social factors contributing to the outbreak. This may include providing reassurance to the affected individuals, reducing stressors, and sometimes separating individuals to prevent further spread of symptoms.

Related Pages

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-Mass Psychogenic Illness (MPI), also known as [[mass hysteria]], [[mass sociogenic illness]], or [[epidemic hysteria]], is a social phenomenon in which physical symptoms spread rapidly among a cohesive group of people, without a corresponding organic cause. This condition is rooted in the nervous system, involving excitation, loss, or alteration of function, and presents physical complaints unconsciously exhibited by the affected individuals.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Mass Psychogenic Illness}}
-=== Characteristics and Manifestations ===
+== Overview ==
+[[File:Dance_at_Molenbeek.jpg|thumb|right|A depiction of a dance epidemic, a form of mass psychogenic illness.]]
+'''Mass psychogenic illness''' (MPI), also known as '''mass hysteria''', is a phenomenon that involves the rapid spread of illness signs and symptoms affecting members of a cohesive group, originating from a nervous system disturbance involving excitation, loss, or alteration of function, whereby physical complaints that are exhibited unconsciously have no corresponding organic etiology.
-MPI often occurs in close-knit groups, such as schools, workplaces, or communities, and is more commonly reported among females. Symptoms can vary widely, ranging from fainting, nausea, headaches, trembling, hyperventilation, to even more complex behaviors. These symptoms, although real and often distressing to the individuals, cannot be traced back to a physical cause.
+== Characteristics ==
+MPI is characterized by the sudden onset of physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and abdominal pain, which are not attributable to any identifiable physical cause. These symptoms often spread rapidly among individuals in close proximity, such as in schools, workplaces, or communities.
-=== Causes ===
+== Historical Examples ==
+One of the most famous historical examples of MPI is the [[Dancing Plague of 1518]], where numerous people in Strasbourg, France, began dancing uncontrollably for days. The image "Dance at Molenbeek" depicts a similar event, illustrating the intense and uncontrollable nature of such outbreaks.
-The specific triggers for MPI are not well understood, but it often occurs in situations of extreme stress, anxiety or during threatening situations. It is believed that the phenomenon is a collective response to psychological distress, and can be influenced by cultural and social factors.
+== Causes ==
+The exact cause of MPI is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and social influence. The phenomenon is more likely to occur in groups under stress or in environments where there is a high level of suggestibility.
-=== Diagnosis ===
+== Diagnosis ==
+Diagnosing MPI involves ruling out other potential causes of the symptoms, such as infectious diseases or exposure to toxins. Medical professionals often rely on the absence of a physical cause and the presence of psychological stressors to diagnose MPI.
-Diagnosis of MPI can be challenging due to the real nature of the symptoms. It is primarily a diagnosis of exclusion, made when no physical or organic cause can be found. This involves a thorough medical examination and consideration of the social and psychological context in which the symptoms occur.
+== Management ==
+Managing MPI typically involves addressing the psychological and social factors contributing to the outbreak. This may include providing reassurance to the affected individuals, reducing stressors, and sometimes separating individuals to prevent further spread of symptoms.
-=== Treatment and Management ===
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Hysteria]]
+* [[Psychosomatic disorder]]
+* [[Conversion disorder]]
+* [[Placebo effect]]
-Treatment for MPI primarily involves reassurance and education for those affected. In some cases, psychological interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, may be beneficial. The goal is to reduce anxiety and stress, thereby alleviating the physical symptoms.
+[[Category:Psychology]]
+[[Category:Medical conditions]]
-=== Prognosis ===
-Prognosis for MPI is generally good. Once the underlying stressor is removed or the situation is managed, symptoms often resolve, although in some cases they may persist for a longer period.
-== See Also ==
-* [[Conversion disorder]]
-* [[Collective behavior]]
-* [[Sociology of health and illness]]
-{{stub}}
-* Bartholomew, R. E., & Wessely, S. (2002). Protean nature of mass sociogenic illness: From possessed nuns to chemical and biological terrorism fears. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 180(4), 300-306.
-* Boss, L. P. (1997). Epidemic hysteria: a review of the published literature. Epidemiologic reviews, 19(2), 233-243.
-[[Category:Psychiatric Diagnosis]]
 [[Category:Sociology]]
-[[Category:Psychology]]