Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Exposure to large quantity of art bad for mental health



Stendhal syndrome is characterized by physical and 

emotional anxiety up to the level of a panic attack, dissociative experiences, confusion, and even hallucinations when an individual is exposed to art. 
The syndrome is usually triggered by art that is perceived as particularly beautiful or when the individual is exposed to large quantities of art that are concentrated in a single place. 
The term can also be applied to a similar reaction to an overwhelming experience, for example when confronted with immense beauty in the natural world.
Stendhal syndrome is named after the famous 19th century French author Stendhal who described his experience with the phenomenon during his visit to Florence, Italy, in 1817, when he was 34 years old. 
It has also been called hyperculturemia or Florence syndrome. Usually, Stendhal syndrome is self-limited and not followed by lasting or severe mental sequelae, and no interventions beyond supportive measures are needed.
No interventions beyond supportive measures are needed! 
reprinted from Medscape and stolen from Michelle Saffron on her blog.

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