Falling-out or blacking-out[1] is a culture-bound syndrome primarily reported in the southern United States and the Caribbean. It is described as a constricted consciousness as a psychological response to anxiety and specific stressors. Sudden collapse characterizes episodes of falling-out, whether without warning or preceded by dizziness and a spinning sensation. The individual suffering from symptoms of falling out can usually hear and understand what is going on around them.[2]
Falling-out is not treated as an illness unless it becomes disabling. It is often seen as a normal response to stressful situations, funerals, or when a person receives shocking information.
See also
- Conversion disorder
- Greyout
- Non-epileptic attack disorder
References
- ^ Vetta L. Sanders Thompson. Culture-Bound Syndromes: Falling Out, Blacking Out. Encyclopedia of Multicultural Psychology. Yo Jackson (editor).
- ^ American Psychiatric Association (1 January 2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition: DSM-IV-TR. American Psychiatric Pub. p. 900. ISBN 978-0-89042-665-4.