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Stendhal syndrome
- Art can bring up many emotions, including joy, sadness, and anger. But is it possible to have significant mental or physical symptoms after an encounter with a piece of art? This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as an art attack. The more official name is Stendhal syndrome.
www.healthline.com/health/stendhal-syndrome
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Art Attack is a British children's television programme revolving around art, originally hosted by Neil Buchanan on CITV from 1990 to 2007, and subsequently hosted by Lloyd Warbey on Disney Junior from 2012 to 2015.
- Arts & Crafts Children's Television Series
- Overview
- What is Stendhal syndrome?
- Causes of Stendhal syndrome
- Symptoms of Stendhal syndrome
- Treatment options for Stendhal syndrome
- Living with Stendhal syndrome
- Takeaway
Art can bring up many emotions, including joy, sadness, and anger. But is it possible to have significant mental or physical symptoms after an encounter with a piece of art?
This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as an art attack. The more official name is Stendhal syndrome.
Stendhal syndrome refers to a collection of intense physical and mental symptoms you may experience while or after viewing a work of art.
According to 2021 research, it’s considered a psychosomatic disorder. This means you may have intense psychological symptoms that also cause physical ones.
Stendhal syndrome was first described in 1989 by Graziella Magherini, an Italian psychiatrist, note researchers of 2020 overview of the condition.
The word “Stendhal” comes from the name of romance author Marie-Henri Beyle’s pseudonym. Beyle himself described an overwhelming encounter in 1817 during a visit to Florence’s Basilica of Santa Croce, according to the 2021 research mentioned earlier.
This condition is also sometimes called “Florentine syndrome,” according to researchers in 2018. This is because Magherini came up with it while working at a hospital in Florence where she treated more than 100 visitors after they experienced symptoms from looking at art in the area, per the aforementioned 2021 research.
Another name for the condition is aesthetic sickness.
Stendhal syndrome is said to develop as a result of encountering something overwhelmingly beautiful.
Visual and architectural arts are the most common causes, according to researchers in 2018. Other items in your natural environment, such as a beautiful sunrise or a breathtaking mountain view, could also bring it on.
Yet it’s more than just the visual beauty or art that causes Stendhal syndrome. Other factors include being in a historically or culturally relevant location, as well as thinking about significant events of the past, per 2020 research.
Stendhal syndrome most commonly occurs among travelers to cities that are known for art museums, historical architecture, and cultural centers, the 2020 research suggests. These cities may include:
•Athens
•Florence
Symptoms of Stendhal syndrome may be both mental and physical. They come about when you experience a work of art. Some of these symptoms can mimic those of a panic attack.
Symptoms may include:
•rapid heart rate
•chest pains
•dizziness
•fainting
The symptoms of Stendhal syndrome are considered temporary and usually don’t require any medical treatment.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed from encountering a work of art, you may be able to resolve your symptoms by taking a break and removing yourself from the area. If you still feel uneasy, consider practicing some gentle grounding techniques, like deep breathing or doing a body scan meditation.
If you or a loved one do display possible symptoms, such as confusion or fainting, it’s important to help prevent and treat injuries that might happen as a result. In these situations, seek medical attention.
You may also wish to speak with a doctor if you have concerns about your experience and want confirmation that you did have Stendhal syndrome. A doctor can also help with any differential diagnoses, such as anxiety disorders.
While there is no established treatment for Stendhal syndrome, you may consider talking with a doctor about treatment for psychosomatic disorders more generally if you experience symptoms frequently.
Possible options include cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants, according to 2017 research.
Stendhal syndrome is considered rare, but once you have experienced it, you may have a greater chance of experiencing it again in the future, especially if you encounter an emotionally appealing piece of artwork, according to the 2020 research mentioned earlier.
If you plan on traveling to a destination where you may be exposed to historical art pieces, you may consider getting plenty of rest beforehand to help reduce the risk of Stendhal syndrome. You should also let anyone traveling with you know that you may need assistance and how to best help you.
Stendhal syndrome isn’t considered deadly, though symptoms like confusion or fainting could cause injury.
The 2020 research notes that one person in 2018 did have a heart attack while viewing historical art in Florence. But it’s unclear whether this occurred due to Stendhal syndrome or unrelated factors, and more research on this topic is still needed to better understand its causes and effects.
Stendhal syndrome was first described in the late 1980s as a condition where an overwhelming experience with art can make you feel ill.
While more clinical research needs to be done, it’s thought that certain risk factors may increase your chances of experiencing this syndrome. These include age, travel destination, and sleep deprivation.
- Kristeen Cherney
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