Sociogenic illness

Based on historical observations, mass sociogenic illness might follow a real or threatened terrorist event involving chemical, biological or radiologic materials (3). Shortly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, minor events were sufficient to cause mass anxiety. On September 29,18 days after the World Trade Center attack, paint fumes at a middle school in Washington State,... 

Post-incident care. . 371 Mass sociogenic illness 375... 

Episodes of mass sociogenic illness are usually short-lived but may recur on re-exposure to the trigger. Although prompt reassurance is essential in limiting the adverse effects of such outbreaks, it is vital that genuine causes for the symptoms are not overlooked. Mass sociogenic illness is therefore a diagnosis by exclusion. 

Box 7 6 Characteristic ciinicai picture of mass sociogenic illness... 

People with mass sociogenic illness should be rapidly separated from those who are well in order to reduce further spread. Removal from the environment associated with the outbreak is crucial. A genuine cause should be excluded, particularly in the index case. Reassurance without being patronising is offered once genuine physical illness can be excluded. 

---