falling out

a culture-bound syndrome found in the United States and the Caribbean. Symptoms include sudden collapse, sometimes preceded by feelings of dizziness or “swimming” in the head. Although their eyes are usually open, patients claim to be unable to see; they usually hear and understand what is occurring around them but feel powerless to move. The condition may be associated with conversion disorder or dissociative disorder. Also called blacking out.

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Psychology term of the day

December 26th 2024

tractotomy

n. the surgical interruption of a nerve tract in the brainstem or spinal cord. One form of tractotomy is of benefit in bipolar disorder that is resistant to other forms of treatment.