Review: Are Teenage Girls Experiencing Hysteria?

The podcast Hysterical, produced by Wondery and Pineapple Street Studios, dives deep into the phenomenon of mass psychogenic events, commonly referred to as hysteria. It connects seemingly disparate groups—teen girls in upstate New York exhibiting Tourette syndrome-like tics, U.S. military and intelligence personnel experiencing unexplained health issues, victims of mass poisonings in Iran, and the historical Salem witch trials—demonstrating how collectively shared psychological symptoms can manifest in various forms. The focal point of this exploration is a group of teenage girls in LeRoy, New York, whose unusual tics garnered attention and sparked inquiries into the root causes of their condition. As the podcast unfolds, it presents a medical mystery, investigating the underlying factors of their symptoms, potential diagnoses, and treatment options.

A significant part of the narrative involves contrasting opinions on the causes of the girls’ tics. Some, including noted activist Erin Brockovich, advocate for an environmental explanation, pointing to possible toxins or pollutants. Others argue that the symptoms may stem from an autoimmune response gone awry, suggesting a biological basis for the girls’ experiences. Meanwhile, the authorities’ official stance leans towards mass psychogenic illness, a classification met with skepticism by the affected individuals and their families. This skepticism is rooted in a historical context where hysteria diagnoses have often been associated with dismissive or sexist attitudes towards women, raising questions about the validity of such assessments in modern medical practice.

Hysterical challenges the audience’s perceptions of mass psychogenic illness, proposing that it is not merely a dismissive label but rather a legitimate diagnosis with complex manifestations. The podcast encourages listeners to reconsider what constitutes hysteria, illustrating that it can sometimes take on forms that those experiencing it may not recognize or label as such. The case of the "Havana syndrome" serves as a poignant illustration of this notion, whereby military and diplomatic officials reported strange health complaints under mysterious circumstances, leading to widespread speculation about the implications of these experiences and the factors contributing to them.

The tone of the podcast is, at times, both investigative and empathetic, with an emphasis on validating the lived experiences of those affected by these psychosomatic events. It advocates for a broader understanding of mental health and how societal perceptions can influence the diagnosis and treatment of conditions categorized as hysterical. By shining a light on the historical context of hysteria, Hysterical seeks to unpack the stigma that has long been associated with psychiatric disorders, particularly those that predominantly affect women and young girls. This approach reinforces the critical importance of listening to and recognizing the symptoms of patients, rather than allowing historical biases to cloud contemporary medical judgments.

Furthermore, the podcast reveals that mass psychogenic illness can affect individuals and communities on a larger scale, transcending personal health crises to affect social and cultural dynamics. The LeRoy girls’ situation resulted in heightened media scrutiny and widespread public discourse, illustrating how hysteria can escalate into a significant social phenomenon. Debates surrounding the true nature of their ailments sparked community reactions, drawing in diverse perspectives from medical professionals, activists, and the general public, all grappling with the implications of these collective experiences.

In conclusion, Hysterical serves as a captivating exploration of the complexities surrounding mass psychogenic events, blending personal narratives with broader societal implications. It prompts listeners to reconsider the manifestations of hysteria in both historical and contemporary contexts, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of mental health issues. By examining case studies from various times and places, the podcast encourages an informed dialogue about the intersection of psychological phenomena, societal perceptions, and the need for compassionate care in the face of often-overlooked health crises. Ultimately, it asks us to open our eyes to the reality of hysteria as a significant, albeit often misunderstood, part of human experience.