What are the Top 10 Psychological Disorders named after Cities?

A psychological disorder is a medical term used to characterize a significant disturbance in a person’s cognitive, behavioral, or emotional ability. These disorders are usually associated with distress and trauma caused during social, occupational, or other important activities. Some of these disorders are named after the places where the first case of that particular disorder was found. 

Here are some psychological disorders named after the cities where they were first discovered.

Stockholm syndrome

This is possibly the most popular psychological disorder on the list because of several references in songs, movies, and television serials. Stockholm syndrome occurs when the hostages or victims develop a deep bond with their kidnappers or abusers. This disorder is generally linked with high-profile kidnappings and hostage situations wherein the victims live with their captors for weeks or months.

This condition can also be caused in response to various types of trauma. The condition was first observed in Stockholm, and hence the name Stockholm syndrome was derived. Many medical professionals believe that Stockholm syndrome is a coping mechanism for the victims to handle a terrifying situation.

Paris Syndrome

Similar to the Stockholm Syndrome, the first case of this syndrome was discovered in Paris hence the name Paris syndrome. This condition can be described as a severe case of culture shock and homesickness. This condition occurs when an individual develops a severe feeling of disappointment when a place is not what they expected. The individuals who develop this condition show decreased levels of formality in communication. They also experience mood swings and physical exhaustion. 

The majority of individuals affected recover after a few days of bed rest, but some are so traumatized that the only remedy is to be flown back to their native country under the supervision of a doctor.

Jerusalem Syndrome

The Jerusalem Syndrome has nothing to do with the city of Jerusalem; however, this syndrome was first observed among the pilgrims and tourists visiting the holy city of Jerusalem. The main symptom of the condition is that the person develops a strong identity with a character in the Bible and displays behaviors similar to those described in the Holy Book.

Every year, roughly a hundred tourists are affected with Jerusalem Syndrome, with around forty of them being taken to hospitals for treatment. Symptoms usually go away after a few weeks of being away from Jerusalem. People with this condition experience religious delusions. The condition is more common among Christians than other religious groups.

Sarajevo Syndrome

Sarajevo Syndrome is a type of post-traumatic stress disorder named after the city of Sarajevo. This condition was named during World War II and is a traumatic disorder that affects persons who have lived through violent wars. Furthermore, this condition is getting rarer as the world moves away from wars.

London Syndrome

London Syndrome is similar to Stockholm syndrome; however, it has a few differences that set it apart. This condition occurs when the hostages or the victims refuse to cooperate with their captors or abusers. It is primarily a dangerous psychological disorder where the victims don’t act on the situation and exhibit constant resistance and refusal during a hostage situation. Furthermore, this syndrome was first identified in the year 1981 in London, hence the name. 

Victims with this condition respond to their captors with extreme belligerence, non-cooperation, and arguments. 

Lima Syndrome

Lima Syndrome is the exact opposite of Stockholm syndrome. This condition occurs when the kidnappers or abusers develop a deep bond with their hostages or victims. This condition was initially identified in the city of Lima, Peru, in the year 1996. Also, this disorder can develop within a week, month, or year. A person can have Lima syndrome if they are in the position of a captor or abuser and develop a positive bond with their victims.

This condition allows the captors to meet the demands of their victims and take care of them. The consequences of Lima syndrome reduced the possibility of injury to the hostages while improving their chances of being liberated or allowed to flee. 

Venice Syndrome

Venice Syndrome is a rare psychological disorder where travelers, especially people not from Venice, travel to Venice intending to kill themselves. Also called the Laguna syndrome, this disorder was first found in the year 1988 when foreigners coming from different nearby countries traveled to Venice to commit suicide. According to reports from individuals who were saved, Venice is considered a symbol of death.

Some psychologists believe that this disorder is inspired by Thomas Mann’s novel “Death in Venice.” The common method of suicide for women was a drug overdose, whereas men committed suicide by jumping out of hotel windows, from bridges, or drowning in a lagoon.

Florence Syndrome

Similar to some of the other psychological disorders in the list, Florence syndrome was first identified in the city of Florence, Italy. This is a strong behavioral response caused by the anticipated and then experience of Florence’s ethnic diversity. A rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, and hallucinations are among the milder symptoms; around two-thirds of those affected develop paranoid psychoses. Furthermore, this condition started appearing in the 1980s.

This condition is also popularly known as the Stendhal Syndrome. The majority of the people who developed this disorder came from European countries, and their psychoses started to develop during visits to art galleries and museums of Florence.

Amsterdam Syndrome

Amsterdam syndrome is a relatively new psychological condition seen in men. This term was coined in the year 2008 by sexologist Chiara Simonelli. The word is derived from Amsterdam’s Red Light District, where prostitutes sit seductively in a window area on display. Furthermore, this condition depicts the behavior of men who post images of their naked spouses or of themselves having sex with their spouses, with or without the spouses’ knowledge or approval. This condition has been observed mostly in Italian men.

Brooklyn Syndrome

The term Brooklyn Syndrome has nothing to do with the city of Brooklyn. This condition was identified during World War II by American Navy psychiatrists examining recruits for the war. In this condition, the person seems to have a “chip on their shoulder,” which means that the person’s behavior pattern is overly argumentative or personally combative. 

Detroit Syndrome

Detroit Syndrome was named because of the ongoing description of Detroit as a motor city. The term Detroit Syndrome refers to the condition of replacing aging employees with younger, quicker, and stronger workers who have better knowledge and are more skilled. It is an age-related discriminatory disorder where an individual feels that younger people are more suitable for a job.

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Conclusion

These are a few psychological disorders named after cities. This article provides an insight into the origin and symptoms of these syndromes. Furthermore, every syndrome has a unique symptom, making it easier to detect and treat.