Mass Psychogenic Illness: Some Clarification and Perspectives

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Abstract
Following a brief review of the literature indicating the debilitating effects of stress on health, it is suggested that the psychosocial and organizational climate of a work environment may potentiate the occurrence of mass illness. Describing such events in terms of the anachronistic and controversial label of “mass hysteria” has impeded our understanding of the underlying phenomenon by shrouding it with unnecessary semantic and theoretical connotations. The author cautions against throwing the baby out with the bath, and suggests that the role of psychosocial and organizational stressors in the etiology of certain mass illness incidents be reexamined in light of current theory. Certain popular misconceptions about the nature of psychogenic illness are discussed and the need for a comprehensive examination of all potential pathogens in affected worksites is emphasized.

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