Yet, multiple sclerosis, once viewed as a psychogenic illness of neurotic women, is now a clearly identified organic disorder with promising treatments, thanks to research.

It would have been interesting to hear theories on why there is such resistance to accepting a diagnosis of psychogenic illness.

The theory has been applied to understanding pain, depression, anxiety disorders, asthma, addictions, and psychogenic illnesses.

Specialists in epidemic stress said the combination of pollution and fears of contamination could create an environment especially fertile for psychogenic illness.

Sometimes referred to as mass psychogenic illness or epidemic hysteria.

"But because he had to treat patients with psychogenic illnesses, it forced him to keep searching for treatments to help him in his own work."

However many cases of psychogenic illness are reported, the label remains a deeply vexed and often disputed one.

Why, exactly, the idea of psychogenic illness should be so offensive is a little baffling.

Mass psychogenic illness produces real, not sham, physiological effects.

In her article, Talbot writes, "Why, exactly, the idea of psychogenic illness should be so offensive is a little baffling."