Mass psychogenic illness

Overview

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.

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

• Hysteria
• Psychosomatic disorder
• Conversion disorder
• Placebo effect