Massipsühhooside

Massipsühhoos, also known as mass hysteria or collective delusion, refers to a phenomenon where a group of people collectively experience delusions, hallucinations, or psychosomatic symptoms that lack a clear organic or environmental cause. These episodes are often triggered by fear, anxiety, or suggestibility within a community. While the term "mass hysteria" is commonly used, modern psychology prefers terms like "mass psychogenic illness" or "collective anxiety disorder" to avoid stigmatizing language and to emphasize the psychological rather than supernatural nature of the events.

Historically, mass psychogenic illnesses have manifested in various forms, from dancing manias in the Middle Ages to more recent incidents involving strange physical symptoms like fainting, nausea, or rashes spreading through schools or workplaces. These episodes are typically characterized by a rapid onset and decline, with symptoms ceasing as the group disperses or the perceived threat diminishes.

The underlying mechanisms are thought to involve social contagion, where the anxiety and distress of a few individuals spread to others through observation and communication. This is amplified in situations of heightened stress or uncertainty. Explanations often point to psychological factors such as suggestibility, anxiety, and the power of collective belief. While the symptoms are real for those experiencing them, they are not caused by an external agent but rather by psychological processes within the group. Treatment typically involves reassurance, stress reduction, and addressing the underlying social or environmental factors contributing to the anxiety.