Mass hysteria and a delusion shared by a group of people are related but distinct phenomena that involve the collective experience of beliefs or emotions among a large number of individuals. Here's an overview of the differences between the two:
- Mass Hysteria:
- Definition: Mass hysteria, also known as mass psychogenic illness, is a situation in which a group of people experiences a set of physical or psychological symptoms without any identifiable organic cause. It is characterized by the rapid spread of symptoms, often among individuals who are in close physical proximity or social connection with each other.
- Symptoms: The symptoms experienced during mass hysteria are usually subjective and can include anxiety, nausea, dizziness, fainting, headaches, and other manifestations of distress. The symptoms are real and genuinely experienced by those affected, but the underlying cause is psychological rather than physiological.
- Triggers: Mass hysteria can be triggered by various factors, such as fear, stress, cultural beliefs, or a shared traumatic event. Often, the symptoms are spread through social interaction, and individuals who observe others experiencing symptoms may unconsciously adopt them themselves, leading to a cascading effect.
- Shared Delusion:
- Definition: Shared delusion, also known as folie à deux or shared psychosis, is a situation in which a delusional belief is transmitted from one individual (the primary case) to another or to a small group of people (the secondary cases). This is more specific to a group's adoption of a specific false belief.
- Delusions: Delusions are fixed, false beliefs that are not based on reality and are resistant to rational reasoning or contrary evidence. In shared delusion, the individuals involved share the same delusional belief, and this belief is typically a result of close association with the primary case.
- Transmission: The primary case usually has a pre-existing delusional disorder or mental health condition that influences the development of the shared delusion in the secondary cases. The transmission can occur through close relationships, such as between family members, close friends, or members of a small isolated community.
In summary, mass hysteria involves the rapid spread of symptoms without a clear organic cause, while shared delusion revolves around a specific delusional belief that is transmitted from one individual to others within a close-knit group. Both phenomena demonstrate the powerful influence of social and psychological factors on human behavior and beliefs.