What is mass psychogenic illness? Mass psychogenic illness is when people in a group start feeling sick at the same time even though there is no physical or environmental reason for them to be sick. They could think they've been exposed to something dangerous, like a germ or a toxin (poison).

What is psychogenic illness?

Psychogenic disease (or psychogenic illness) is a name given to physical illnesses that are believed to arise from emotional or mental stressors, or from psychological or psychiatric disorders. It is most commonly applied to illnesses where a physical abnormality or other biomarker has not yet been identified.

What are the symptoms of mass psychogenic illness?

Outbreaks of mass psychogenic illness show us the powerful effect of stress and other people on the way we feel. Think of how “stage fright” can cause nausea, shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, a racing heart, a stomachache or even diarrhea.