Mass hysteria among student performers: social relationship as a symptom predictor

Article Abstract:

Outbreaks of mass hysteria are more puzzling than many other types of illness. In an outbreak of mass hysteria, there is generally a lack of laboratory test results or physical findings suggestive of an organic cause. Women are more susceptible than men, and the illness is often transmitted by sight or sound. Other individuals in the same environment are not necessarily affected and remission of symptoms is rapid. Even with these characteristic features, however, investigators have difficulty differentiating mass hysteria from other types of outbreaks. In April 1989, a sudden outbreak of illness affected 247 high school student performers in an auditorium with 600 performers and 2,000 spectators. Investigators found no evidence to suggest an organic cause, and attributed the outbreak to mass hysteria. The 600 students were later surveyed and 519 responded. There was a preponderance of illness among the girls; symptoms were transmitted by sight and sound; and there was evidence of psychological and physical stress. These are all characteristic features of mass hysteria. Observing a friend who was sick was reported frequently and was the best predictor of also becoming ill. It is suggested that 'social transmission' is a characteristic phenomenon of mass hysteria. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Diagnosis, Hysteria (Social psychology), Mass hysteria, Interpersonal relations

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The mind-body harmony

Article Abstract:

An evaluation is presented on a case study of a 21-year-old male with Kleine-Levin Syndrome, characterized by sleep disorders, eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive behavior. Topics include the potential value of biopsychosocial integration as an evaluation and treatment tool and a subject for further research.

United States, Statistical Data Included, Affective disorders, Mood disorders, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Hypersomnia

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Death due to duodenal obstruction in a patient with an eating disorder: A case report

Article Abstract:

A case report of a 30-year old woman with a history of bulimia nervosa and severe abdominal pain after excessive food consumption is presented. The cause of her death was due to duodenal obstruction, with a heavy stomach and high intra-abdominal pressure.

Japan, Duodenum, Duodenal obstruction

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