Stendhal syndrome is a psychosomatic illness that causes physical symptoms in response to overwhelming amounts of art, particularly in Florence, Italy. Symptoms include anxiety, heart palpitations, dizziness, and fainting. Experts advise tourists to balance their time between art and other activities to avoid developing the syndrome. Similar syndromes occur in Paris and Jerusalem.
Stendhal syndrome is a psychosomatic disease that manifests itself as a reaction to art. Also known as hyperculturemia, this particular condition produces an overwhelming reaction to a large amount of artwork gathered in one place or if an artwork is particularly appealing to the viewer. Stendhal syndrome produces actual physical symptoms as a result of the psychological and emotional reaction to art.
Stendhal syndrome is named after the famous French writer Stendhal, who experienced overwhelming anxiety symptoms and even passed out while viewing art in Italy. It was an Italian psychologist named Graziella Magherini, however, who in the 1970s began applying this label to others with symptoms similar to those first described by Stendhal in the 19th century. Symptoms of Stendhal syndrome include anxiety, heart palpitations, dizziness, and fainting. It has also been noted that some individuals suffering from this condition experience hallucinations while viewing large works of art.
Stendhal syndrome can be experienced by anyone who is overwhelmed by artistic masterpieces. It most commonly occurs, however, in individuals who visit works of art in Florence, Italy, which is why it is also referred to as the Florence syndrome by some. It’s such a frequent syndrome in this part of the world that hospital staff in that area report that the symptoms are commonly recognized when disoriented patients arrive at the hospital soon after admiring nearby artwork.
Travel experts advise tourists not to try to take everything at once when visiting Italy to avoid developing Stendhal syndrome. Experts also advise art lovers to balance their time between viewing art and engaging in other activities, such as attending sporting events, shopping, or dining out. This way, you reduce the chances of being overwhelmed by too much artistic beauty, as well as the chances of experiencing symptoms of Stendhal syndrome.
In her book on the subject, “The Stendhal Syndrome,” Dr. Magherini explains that although Stendhal Syndrome is a rare psychosomatic illness, it most commonly occurs in tourists who have created stress symptoms by attempting to see and do too much during a visit to a city famous for its museums, art galleries and historical monuments. Similar syndromes, such as Paris syndrome and Jerusalem syndrome, occur in Paris and Jerusalem as individuals become overwhelmed as they view significant religious and cultural artifacts in each country. For some, the symptoms of these syndromes have even led to hospitalization and have required some individuals to undergo antidepressant therapies.
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