Mass Psychogenic Illness and Social Networks: A Changing Outbreak Pattern?
2024-12-21
A 2012 outbreak of conversion disorder at a New York high school saw numerous adolescent girls develop facial tics, muscle spasms, and speech problems. The diagnosis sparked controversy, with parents challenging the psychogenic explanation and suggesting environmental causes. This article analyzes the two types of mass psychogenic illness (MPI), its economic impact, and the shift in its spread in the social media age. The authors posit that social media may accelerate MPI transmission and amplify challenges to diagnoses, creating new public health hurdles. The Leroy case highlights the complexity of managing MPI in the digital age, suggesting traditional isolation strategies may be insufficient.