Adolescent epidemic hysteria presenting as a mass casualty, toxic exposure incident

Journal Article · Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1989 · Annals of Emergency Medicine; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0196-0644(89)80221-5· OSTI ID:5542573

Selden, B S ^[1]

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1. Humana Hospital-Alaska, Anchorage

Discussed is a case of explosive epidemic hysteria presenting as a mass casualty, toxic inhalation incident. Fifteen adolescent female students were triaged from a school of 700 persons exposed to sewer gas and arrived simultaneously at the emergency department complaining of a variety of nonspecific symptoms without physical findings. These symptoms quickly remitted with reassurance and dispersion of the group. Factors important in the recognition and treatment of epidemic hysteria are presented.

• OSTI ID: 5542573
• Journal Information: Annals of Emergency Medicine; (USA), Journal Name: Annals of Emergency Medicine; (USA) Vol. 18:8; ISSN 0196-0644; ISSN AEMED
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACCIDENTS
ADOLESCENTS
AGE GROUPS
AIR POLLUTION
ANIMALS
BUILDINGS
CONTAMINATION
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
FLUIDS
GASES
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
MAMMALS
MAN
MATERIALS
POLLUTION
PRIMATES
SCHOOL BUILDINGS
SYMPTOMS
TOXICITY
VERTEBRATES