Citation

Bartholomew R, Wessely S. South. Med. J. 1999; 92(8): 762-769.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology and Sociology, James Cook University of North Queensland, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Southern Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10456712

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We studied an example of epidemic hysteria occurring outside a closed community and involving fear of being "gassed." The description presented is that of a previously unrecorded case of epidemic hysteria in the state of Virginia during 1933-1934. DATA SOURCES: Data were gathered from contemporary newspaper accounts. CONCLUSION: The case of the Virginia "gasser" is one in a long series of epidemic hysteria incidents during the 20th century, coinciding with heightened awareness of environmental pollution and triggered by imaginary or exaggerated contamination threats. A recommendation is provided on how physicians should approach such episodes.

Language: en