Epidemic hysteria in Virginia: the case of the phantom gasser of 1933-1934.
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.


METHODS
Data were gathered from contemporary newspaper accounts.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Bartholomew
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R
Department of Psychology and Sociology, James Cook University of North Queensland, Australia.
Wessely
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D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000266:history*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000266:history*; D004787:Environmental Pollution; D005260:Female; D005739:Gas Poisoning / Q000266:history* / Q000523:psychology; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007087:Illinois; D008297:Male; D014768:Virginia