Mass Psychogenic Illness: Demography and Symptom Profile of an Episode.
Background. Mass psychogenic illness has been a recurrent phenomenon in Bangladesh over recent times. Objectives. This study was aimed at investigating the demographic characteristics and symptom profile of an outbreak of mass psychogenic illness occurring in a girls' high school. Methods and Materials. In 14 April 2013, a total of 93 students of a girls' high school suddenly developed various symptoms following intake of tiffin cake which resulted in panic and hospital admission. A descriptive, cross-sectional observational survey was done to define various characteristics of the outbreak. Results. No organic explanation for the reported illnesses was found. 93 female students were included who were hospitalized during the incident. Trigger factor was found in 98% of students. Most of the students were 13 years old. Average interval between exposure to the trigger and onset of symptoms was 151.5 minutes. Commonest symptoms were abdominal pain (83%), headache (73%), chest pain (69%), body ache (63%), nausea (69%), and generalized weakness and fatigue (61%). Hospital stay following the incident was about 12 hours on average. Conclusion. To avoid unnecessary panic in the community a prompt, coordinated response is important in resolving widespread community anxiety surrounding these episodes.
Department of Medicine, Faridpur Medical College, Faridpur, Bangladesh.
Binoy Krishna
BK
Tarafder
Pulmonology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh.
Mohammad Ashik Imran
MA
Khan
Internal Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh.
Md Tanvir
MT
Islam
Pediatrics, Sheikh Sayera Khatun Medical College, Gopalganj, Bangladesh.
Sheikh Abdullah Al
SA
Mahmud
Sheikh Sayera Khatun Medical College, Gopalgang, Bangladesh.
Md Humayun Kabir
MH
Sarker
Sheikh Sayera Khatun Medical College, Gopalgang, Bangladesh.
Imtiaz
I
Faruq
Medicine, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Md Titu
MT
Miah
Department of Psychiatry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Bangladesh.
S M Yasir
SM
Arafat