Mass hysteria is a medical condition

Apr 12, 2011

IN the past, some schools have been hit by mass hysteria especially towards examinations. <br>Medical experts say hysteria is a medical condition referred to as a conversion disorder which manifests with different symptoms.

EDITOR’S NOTE

IN the past, some schools have been hit by mass hysteria especially towards examinations.
Medical experts say hysteria is a medical condition referred to as a conversion disorder which manifests with different symptoms.

For instance the pupils’ may fail to walk or talk. They might develop a problem on one part of the body or even seem to have a vision problem.

Hysteria is a common problem especially among young people and more common among females. Psychologists argue that hysteria is contagious; when one gets it, others are affected.

In many cases a hysterical person loses control over his acts and emotions. This disorder is characterised by emotional outbursts, accompanied by unconsciousness. The main factor that can be held responsible for causing hysteria is mental stress, strain and anxiety.

Kitebi Primary School is the latest victim of this condition. The school closed for two weeks after more than 60 pupils suffered from hysteria.

When a school is hit by mass hysteria, it should look out for the scientifically proven causes of hysteria.

These causes can be within or outside school. I was shocked when I saw a renowned traditional healer on television claiming that pupils were attacked by demons.

She suggested that the school should hire her services to trap the demons and cleanse the school. Some parents openly supported this move. But is this a move that a school grooming tomorrow’s leaders should take with open hands?

Is this not inculcating a culture of superstition and evil worship among innocent children? Will any one be surprised when these children grow up to worship and believe in witchcraft?

Parents and teachers should not take a route of witch craft but rather seek services of medical experts and counsellors. In this age and era a school cannot resort to using services of witchdoctors.

Arthur Baguma Nsimomwe
abaguma@newvision.co.ug


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