30/09/2024
Arctic Hysteria (Piblokto) ❄️🌨
Piblokto, or Arctic Hysteria, is a culture-bound dissociative syndrome affecting Inuit populations in the Arctic regions of Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and Russia. The syndrome presents with distinct phases and is most common during the harsh winter months.
The prodrome phase consists of irritability and social withdrawal, lasting from a few hours to days. This is followed by the excitement phase, characterized by sudden extreme behaviors such as screaming, tearing off clothing, throwing objects, and running outdoors, seemingly oblivious to the freezing cold. This phase typically lasts about 30 minutes. Next is the convulsion and stupor phase, where individuals may experience seizures and fall into a stupor or coma, lasting up to 12 hours. Finally, in the recovery phase, the person returns to a normal state, often with complete amnesia of the episode.
This syndrome is more commonly observed in women and adults. Similar episodes have even been reported in sled dogs, which sometimes lead to death following convulsive fits.
The exact causes remain uncertain. Biological theories suggest hypervitaminosis A, due to high consumption of vitamin A-rich organ meats (e.g., polar bear and seal liver), combined with vitamin D and calcium deficiencies and disrupted circadian rhythms caused by the Arctic’s long winter darkness. Psychological factors include theories of functional hysteria or reactions to internal conflicts and trauma. Cultural explanations draw parallels to the Inuit drum song ritual, where erratic behaviors serve as a cathartic release during times of communal distress.
Management is typically supportive, with interventions focused on keeping the individual safe during the excitement phase. Most episodes resolve without recurrence, though some individuals may have multiple attacks.
