The day after TODAY reported on the baffling case of 12 teenage girls at one school who mysteriously fell ill with Tourette's-like symptoms of tics and verbal outbursts, a doctor who is treating some of the girls has come forward to offer an explanation. Dr. Laszlo Mechtler, a neurologist in Amherst, N.Y., says the diagnosis is "conversion disorder," or mass hysteria."It's happened before, all around the world, in different parts of the world. It's a rare phenomena. Physicians are intrigued by it," Mechtler told TODAY. "The bottom line is these teenagers will get better." On the show, psychologist and TODAY contributor Dr. Gail Saltz noted that just because the girls' symptoms are psychological in origin doesn't make them any less real or painful.- Today Health
“We have conclusively ruled out any form of infection or communicable disease and there’s no evidence of any environmental factor,’’ Dr. Gregory Young of the New York Department of Health told NBC News.
What do I think is going on?
Three Theories:
1. These kids (and now adults) are turning into idiots.
2. Erin Brockovich is correct in her theory that a toxic chemical spill, that occurred 40 years ago, is the cause (doubted/ and yes I did use the name Erin Brockovich).
3. This is the GREATEST SENIOR PRANK OF ALL TIME (my favorite theory)!
Theory #1
When I say "These kids are turning into idiots," I am referring to "conversion disorder."
Formerly known as "hysteria," the disorder has arguably been known for millennia, though it came to greatest prominence at the end of the 19th century, when the neurologists Jean-Martin Charcot, Sigmund Freud and psychiatrist Pierre Janet focused their studies on the subject. The term "conversion" has its origins in Freud's doctrine that anxiety is "converted" into physical symptoms (I loved taking Abnormal Psychology in College!). Though previously thought to have vanished from the west in the 20th century, some research has suggested it is as common as ever. Also, 'Hysteria' was originally understood to be a condition exclusively affecting women, though it has increasingly been recognized in men. This is interesting because only one male has been allegedly affected with it in Upstate New York.
Some examples of "Conversion disorder" or "mass hysteria."
Tanganyika laughter epidemic (1962)
The Tanganyika laughter epidemic began on January 30, 1962, at a mission-run boarding school for girls in Kashasha, Tanzania. The laughter started with three girls and spread haphazardly throughout the school, affecting 95 of the 159 pupils, aged 12–18. Symptoms lasted from a few hours to 16 days in those affected. The teaching staff were not affected but reported that students were unable to concentrate on their lessons. The school was forced to close down on March 18, 1962.
Brunei (2010)
In April and May 2010, incidents of mass hysteria occurred at two all-girls secondary schools in Brunei. The phenomena caused a wave of panic among many parents, educators and members of the community. Some of the students affected by the phenomenon claimed to have been possessed by spirits, or jinn, displaying histrionic symptoms such as screaming, shaking and crying.
Honestly, I do not care if this is a real condition, I still think these people are idiots..
Theory #2
Brockovich is getting involved upon finding out that there was a toxic chemical spill that occurred near the school 40 years ago, thereby contaminating the water and ground, USA Today reported. I think it is great that people are taking a different approach to this "problem." However, I can't help but think this is a simple ploy to get herself (Erin Brockovich) back into the headlines. I highly doubt contamination is the issue.
3. This is the GREATEST SENIOR PRANK OF ALL TIME (my favorite theory)!
Theory #1
When I say "These kids are turning into idiots," I am referring to "conversion disorder."
Formerly known as "hysteria," the disorder has arguably been known for millennia, though it came to greatest prominence at the end of the 19th century, when the neurologists Jean-Martin Charcot, Sigmund Freud and psychiatrist Pierre Janet focused their studies on the subject. The term "conversion" has its origins in Freud's doctrine that anxiety is "converted" into physical symptoms (I loved taking Abnormal Psychology in College!). Though previously thought to have vanished from the west in the 20th century, some research has suggested it is as common as ever. Also, 'Hysteria' was originally understood to be a condition exclusively affecting women, though it has increasingly been recognized in men. This is interesting because only one male has been allegedly affected with it in Upstate New York.
Some examples of "Conversion disorder" or "mass hysteria."
Tanganyika laughter epidemic (1962)
The Tanganyika laughter epidemic began on January 30, 1962, at a mission-run boarding school for girls in Kashasha, Tanzania. The laughter started with three girls and spread haphazardly throughout the school, affecting 95 of the 159 pupils, aged 12–18. Symptoms lasted from a few hours to 16 days in those affected. The teaching staff were not affected but reported that students were unable to concentrate on their lessons. The school was forced to close down on March 18, 1962.
Brunei (2010)
In April and May 2010, incidents of mass hysteria occurred at two all-girls secondary schools in Brunei. The phenomena caused a wave of panic among many parents, educators and members of the community. Some of the students affected by the phenomenon claimed to have been possessed by spirits, or jinn, displaying histrionic symptoms such as screaming, shaking and crying.
Honestly, I do not care if this is a real condition, I still think these people are idiots..
Theory #2
Brockovich is getting involved upon finding out that there was a toxic chemical spill that occurred near the school 40 years ago, thereby contaminating the water and ground, USA Today reported. I think it is great that people are taking a different approach to this "problem." However, I can't help but think this is a simple ploy to get herself (Erin Brockovich) back into the headlines. I highly doubt contamination is the issue.
Erin Brockovich only wishes she looked like Julia Roberts..
Theory #3
This is my favorite theory, and hopefully the correct theory. I believe these kids are simply participating in a senior prank. Not just any senior prank, a national headline senior prank. Thus being, THE GREATEST SENIOR PRANK OF ALL TIME! Honestly, how easy would it be to pull this off? People already thought these kids were faking it (Or full of it!). Medical experts are basically saying it is all "in their head," so what is there to hold them back? The real question is, why didn't I think of this when I graduated from high school?
You call that a Senior Prank?
2 comments:
"idiots!" Yep, I'm going with that for all involved.
I am feeling the "Senior Prank" theory. Big time!
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