Hysteria
Conversion Disorder
Psychophysiologic Disorders
Catatonia
Mass Behavior
MMPI
Negativism
Neurology
Pseudo-narcolepsy: case report. (1/57)
This report describes the case of a 44-year-old woman presenting to a Sleep and Alertness clinic with symptoms of narcolepsy. The patient had clinical and polysomnographic features of narcolepsy, which disappeared after disclosure of severe psychological stress. Following a discussion of the differential diagnosis of narcolepsy, alternative diagnoses are considered. The authors suggest that the patient had a hysterical conversion disorder, or "pseudo-narcolepsy." Careful inquiry into psychological factors in unusual cases of narcolepsy may be warranted. (+info)Mass psychogenic illness: role of the individual physician. (2/57)
Mass psychogenic illness is characterized by symptoms, occurring among a group of persons with shared beliefs regarding those symptoms, that suggest organic illness but have no identifiable environmental cause and little clinical or laboratory evidence of disease. Mass psychogenic illness typically affects adolescents or children, groups under stress and females disproportionately more than males. Symptoms often follow an environmental trigger or illness in an index case. They can spread rapidly by apparent visual transmission, may be aggravated by a prominent emergency or media response, and frequently resolve after patients are separated from each other and removed from the environment in which the outbreak began. Physicians should consider this diagnosis when faced with a cluster of unexplained acute illness. (+info)Predictors of later schizophrenia and affective psychosis among attendees at a child psychiatry department. (3/57)
BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia has been linked with psychological problems in childhood but there is little information on precursors of affective psychosis. AIMS: To compare childhood psychological antecedents of adult schizophrenia and affective psychosis. METHOD: Childhood item sheets, which give standardised information on signs and symptoms of mental illness in the year preceding assessment are completed for all attendees at the children's department of the Maudsley and Bethlem Royal Hospital. We examined item sheet data on individuals with an adult diagnosis of schizophrenia (n=59) or affective psychosis (n=27) and a comparison group with no adult mental illness (n=86) (all had attended the department). RESULTS: Abnormal suspiciousness or sensitivity and relationship difficulties with peers are associated with later schizophrenia. In contrast, affective psychosis is associated with childhood hysterical symptoms and disturbances in eating. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood psychological precursors for schizophrenia and affective psychosis differ and do not simply reflect non-specific psychiatric disturbance in adolescence. (+info)Efficacy and safety of nitrous oxide in alleviating pain and anxiety during painful procedures. (4/57)
AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nitrous oxide for children undergoing painful procedures. METHODS: Ninety children requiring repeated painful procedures (lumbar puncture, bone marrow aspirate, venous cannulation, or dressing changes) were given nitrous oxide at a variable concentration of 50-70%. Procedure related distress was evaluated using the Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress-Revised (OSBD-R). OSBD-R scores were obtained for each of the following phases of the procedure: phase 1a, waiting period; phase lb, during induction with nitrous oxide; phase 2, during positioning and cleaning of the skin; phase 3, during the painful procedure; and phase 4, immediately following the procedure and withdrawal of nitrous oxide. Side effects were monitored and recorded by a second observer. RESULTS: OSBD scores reached a maximum during the induction phase with lower scores during subsequent phases. Children over the age of 6 showed a lower level of distress during nitrous oxide administration and the painful procedure. Eighty six per cent of patients had no side effects. The incidence of vomiting, excitement, and dysphoria was 7.8%, 4.4%, and 2% respectively. Eight patients developed oxygen desaturation (SaO(2) < 95%), but none developed hypoxia, airway obstruction, or aspiration. Ninety three per cent of patients fulfilled the criteria for conscious sedation, and 65% had no recollection of the procedure. Mean recovery time was three minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Inhalation of nitrous oxide is effective in alleviating distress during painful procedures, with minimal side effects and short recovery time. (+info)Epilepsy and the ovary (cutting out the hysteria). (5/57)
This review touches on the historical links between epilepsy, seizures and the uterus and ovaries which have fascinated and misled physicians since Greco-Roman times. It then examines present knowledge of ovarian function and its effect on epileptic activity and vice versa before exploring the modern controversy about polycystic ovaries and the polycystic ovary syndrome, epilepsy and anticonvulsant medication. Based on present evidence, women with epilepsy are more prone to develop polycystic (polyfollicular) ovaries than other women due to the epilepsy itself. But women with epilepsy related polycystic (polyfollicular) ovaries are vulnerable to the effects of sodium valproate (possibly particularly during adolescence) and may develop the polycystic ovary syndrome: this is reversible if the valproate is withdrawn. Lamotrigine and carbamazepine seem to prevent the development of the syndrome. (+info)Mass psychogenic illness following tetanus-diphtheria toxoid vaccination in Jordan. (6/57)
In September 1998, more than 800 young people in Jordan believed they had suffered from the side-effects of tetanus-diphtheria toxoid vaccine administered at school; 122 of them were admitted to hospital. For the vast majority, their symptoms did not result from the vaccine but arose from mass psychogenic illness. The role played by the media, the children's parents, and the medical profession in the escalation of this mass reaction appeared, at first sight, to be unusual and even unique to the circumstances in Jordan at the time. A review of the literature showed, however, that this mass reaction was similar in many ways to previous outbreaks, even though the underlying causes varied. There are about 200 published accounts of mass responses to situations involving suspected poisoning or other events. Because such mass reactions are relatively rare and the triggers so diverse, individuals faced with responding to them are unlikely to have prior experience in how to handle them and are unlikely to take bold steps to prevent their escalation. Indeed they may be unaware that such events have been recorded before. The lessons learned from this incident in Jordan may help other immunization programme managers to handle crisis situations elsewhere. (+info)Protean nature of mass sociogenic illness: from possessed nuns to chemical and biological terrorism fears. (7/57)
BACKGROUND: Episodes of mass sociogenic illness are becoming increasingly recognised as a significant health and social problem that is more common than is presently reported. AIMS: To provide historical continuity with contemporary episodes of mass sociogenic illness in order to gain a broader transcultural and transhistorical understanding of this complex, protean phenomenon. METHOD: Literature survey to identify historical trends. RESULTS: Mass sociogenic illness mirrors prominent social concerns, changing in relation to context and circumstance. Prior to 1900, reports are dominated by episodes of motor symptoms typified by dissociation, histrionics and psychomotor agitation incubated in an environment of preexisting tension. Twentieth-century reports feature anxiety symptoms that are triggered by sudden exposure to an anxiety-generating agent, most commonly an innocuous odour or food poisoning rumours. From the early 1980s to the present there has been an increasing presence of chemical and biological terrorism themes, climaxing in a sudden shift since the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the USA. CONCLUSIONS: A broad understanding of the history of mass sociogenic illness and a knowledge of episode characteristics are useful in the more rapid recognition and treatment of outbreaks. (+info)Is hysteria still prevailing? A retrospective study of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. (8/57)
A retrospective study was conducted in a psychiatric setup of S.P. Medical College, Bikaner (Raj.) to assess the social demographic and clinical characteristics of hysterical patients. The illness was more common in female patients. Most of the patients were young, married and illiterate. Nearly half of them had faced some stress prior to onset of their illness. Fits of unconsciousness and aphonia were the commonest presentation in female and male patients respectively. Duration of stay was 2-3 days and most of the patient responded well to different treatment modalities. (+info)The term "hysteria" is an outdated and discredited concept in medicine, particularly in psychiatry and psychology. Originally, it was used to describe a condition characterized by dramatic, excessive emotional reactions and physical symptoms that couldn't be explained by a medical condition. These symptoms often included things like paralysis, blindness, or fits, which would sometimes be "hysterical" in nature - that is, they seemed to have no physical cause.
However, the concept of hysteria has been largely abandoned due to its lack of scientific basis and its use as a catch-all diagnosis for symptoms that doctors couldn't explain. Today, many of the symptoms once attributed to hysteria are now understood as manifestations of other medical or psychological conditions, such as conversion disorder, panic attacks, or malingering. It's important to note that using outdated and stigmatizing terms like "hysteria" can be harmful and misleading, so it's best to avoid them in favor of more precise and respectful language.
Conversion disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by the presence of neurological symptoms, such as blindness, paralysis, or difficulty swallowing, that cannot be explained by a medical condition. These symptoms are thought to be caused by psychological factors, such as stress or trauma, and may be a way for the individual to express emotional distress or avoid certain situations.
The symptoms of conversion disorder are typically dramatic and can interfere significantly with a person's daily life. They may include:
* Loss of or alteration in physical senses (such as blindness, deafness, or loss of touch)
* Weakness or paralysis in a part or all of the body
* Difficulty swallowing or speaking
* Seizures or convulsions
* Inability to move certain parts of the body
* Tremors or shaking
* Loss of consciousness
It is important to note that conversion disorder is not a fake or intentional condition. Rather, it is a genuine medical condition that requires treatment. Treatment typically involves addressing any underlying psychological issues and helping the individual develop more effective ways of coping with stress and emotional distress.
Psychophysiologic Disorders, also known as psychosomatic disorders, refer to a category of mental health conditions where psychological stress and emotional factors play a significant role in causing physical symptoms. These disorders are characterized by the presence of bodily complaints for which no physiological explanation can be found, or where the severity of the symptoms is far greater than what would be expected from any underlying medical condition.
Examples of psychophysiologic disorders include:
* Conversion disorder: where physical symptoms such as blindness, paralysis, or difficulty swallowing occur in the absence of a clear medical explanation.
* Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): where abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits are thought to be caused or worsened by stress and emotional factors.
* Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES): where episodes that resemble epileptic seizures occur without any electrical activity in the brain.
* Chronic pain syndromes: where pain persists for months or years beyond the expected healing time, often accompanied by depression and anxiety.
The diagnosis of psychophysiologic disorders typically involves a thorough medical evaluation to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms. Treatment usually includes a combination of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, stress management, and sometimes medication for co-occurring mental health conditions.
"History, 19th Century" is not a medical term or concept. It refers to the historical events, developments, and figures related to the 1800s in various fields, including politics, culture, science, and technology. However, if you are looking for medical advancements during the 19th century, here's a brief overview:
The 19th century was a period of significant progress in medicine, with numerous discoveries and innovations that shaped modern medical practices. Some notable developments include:
1. Edward Jenner's smallpox vaccine (1796): Although not strictly within the 19th century, Jenner's discovery laid the foundation for vaccination as a preventive measure against infectious diseases.
2. Germ theory of disease: The work of Louis Pasteur, Robert Koch, and others established that many diseases were caused by microorganisms, leading to the development of antiseptic practices and vaccines.
3. Anesthesia: In 1842, Crawford Long first used ether as an anesthetic during surgery, followed by the introduction of chloroform in 1847 by James Simpson.
4. Antisepsis and asepsis: Joseph Lister introduced antiseptic practices in surgery, significantly reducing postoperative infections. Later, the concept of asepsis (sterilization) was developed to prevent contamination during surgical procedures.
5. Microbiology: The development of techniques for culturing and staining bacteria allowed for better understanding and identification of pathogens.
6. Physiology: Claude Bernard's work on the regulation of internal body functions, or homeostasis, contributed significantly to our understanding of human physiology.
7. Neurology: Jean-Martin Charcot made significant contributions to the study of neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
8. Psychiatry: Sigmund Freud developed psychoanalysis, a new approach to understanding mental illnesses.
9. Public health: The 19th century saw the establishment of public health organizations and initiatives aimed at improving sanitation, water quality, and vaccination programs.
10. Medical education reforms: The Flexner Report in 1910 led to significant improvements in medical education standards and practices.
Catatonia is a state of neurogenic motor immobility and behavioral abnormality manifested by stupor, mutism, negativism, rigidity, posturing, stereotypy, agitation, or Grimmacing. It can be a symptom associated with various neurological and mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or brain injury. Catatonic symptoms can also occur as a side effect of certain medications.
The diagnosis of catatonia is typically made based on the observation of characteristic clinical symptoms and the exclusion of other potential causes through medical evaluation. Treatment for catatonia may include medication, such as benzodiazepines or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), depending on the underlying cause and severity of the symptoms.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "mass behavior" is not a term that has a specific medical definition. It is a social science concept that refers to the behavior of large groups of people, often in response to certain stimuli or situations. If you have any questions about a related concept or term within the field of medicine, I would be happy to help further!
The MMPI, or Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, is a psychological assessment tool that is widely used in clinical and research settings to help evaluate an individual's personality, emotional state, and behavior. It consists of a series of true-false questions that are designed to measure various aspects of an individual's psychological functioning, including their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.
The MMPI was first developed in the 1930s and has undergone several revisions over the years. The current version, the MMPI-2, consists of 567 items and takes approximately 60-90 minutes to complete. The test is typically administered by a trained professional, such as a psychologist or counselor, who uses the results to help diagnose mental health conditions, develop treatment plans, and make recommendations about an individual's care.
It is important to note that while the MMPI can be a useful tool in assessing psychological functioning, it should not be used as the sole basis for making diagnostic or treatment decisions. It is typically used in conjunction with other assessment methods, such as clinical interviews and other tests, to provide a comprehensive picture of an individual's psychological state.
Negativism is a medical term that is used to describe a condition in which an individual resists or opposes the suggestions, commands, or actions of others, even if they are not harmful or difficult to perform. This behavior can be seen in some mental health disorders such as catatonic schizophrenia, severe depression, or dementia.
In a broader sense, negativism can also refer to a general attitude of opposition, resistance, or pessimism, but this is not the medical definition.
Neurology is a branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of diseases and disorders of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles, and autonomic nervous system. Neurologists are medical doctors who specialize in this field, diagnosing and treating conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and various types of headaches and pain disorders. They use a variety of diagnostic tests, including imaging studies like MRI and CT scans, electrophysiological tests like EEG and EMG, and laboratory tests to evaluate nerve function and identify any underlying conditions or abnormalities. Treatment options may include medication, surgery, rehabilitation, or lifestyle modifications.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but "History, 20th Century" is a broad and complex topic that refers to the events, developments, and transformations that occurred throughout the world during the 1900s. It is not a medical term or concept. If you're interested in learning more about this historical period, I would recommend consulting a history textbook, reputable online resources, or speaking with a historian. They can provide detailed information about the political, social, economic, and cultural changes that took place during the 20th century.