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Mass hysteria: two syndromes?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

Simon Wessely
Simon Wessely*
Affiliation:
Royal Bethlem and Maudsley Hospitals, London
*
1Address for correspondence: Dr S. Wessely, The Royal Bethlem and Maudsley Hospitals, Denmark Hill, London. SE5 8AZ.
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Synopsis

On the basis of a literature review it is concluded that mass hysteria can be divided into two syndromes. One form, to be called ‘mass anxiety hysteria’, consists of episodes of acute anxiety, occurring mainly in schoolchildren. Prior tension is absent and the rapid spread is by visual contact. Treatment consists of separating the participants and the prognosis is good. The second form, to be called ‘mass motor hysteria’, consists of abnormalities in motor behaviour. It occurs in any age group and prior tension is present. Initial cases can be identified and the spread is gradual. Treatment should be directed towards the underlying stressors but the outbreak may be prolonged. In mass anxiety hysteria the abnormality is confined to group interactions; in mass motor hysteria abnormal personalities and environments are implicated.

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Type
Research Article
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 17 , Issue 1 , February 1987, pp. 109 - 120
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

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