Amok
The content of the article:
- Causes and risk factors
- Stages
- Symptoms
- Diagnostics
- Treatment
- Consequences and complications
- Forecast
- Prevention
Amok is a state of acute mental insanity, in which a patient, armed with a cold weapon or firearms, kills the first people he comes across without realizing it. Such an episode of violent insanity often ends in suicide.
Amok - a state of uncontrolled and very strong homicidal arousal
Amok is an ethno-specific phenomenon observed in men living in the Philippines, Malaysia and some other countries of Southeast Asia, as well as in the states of the African continent. Some experts consider it as an explosive dissociative disorder of various etiologies, others as a pathological affect or twilight clouding of consciousness. But they all emphasize that this mental disorder belongs to culturally determined syndromes and has many similarities with other similar syndromes observed in different regions:
- negi-negi (New Guinea);
- pseudo light (Sahara Desert);
- kathhard (Polynesia);
- "Vicious alarm" (Africa).
German psychiatrists use the term "amok" somewhat more broadly. In this country, it means unmotivated, blind, violent aggression that is not connected with any geographical or ethnic boundaries, which can lead to human casualties.
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of the syndrome is unknown. Previously it was assumed that the attack can develop only in people who are in a state of severe drug intoxication. It has now been found that opiates increase the risk of acute amok-type psychosis, but are not a critical factor. Many psychiatrists believe that the Malaysians' amok is based on the peculiarities of the local culture, namely, that children are allowed to freely express aggressive inclinations, while adolescents and adults are strictly prohibited. One of the factors contributing to such insanities is the belief of the local population in demons and witchcraft.
The triggering factor that triggers a psychotic reaction is usually an extremely painful situation for the patient - a loss of prestige, shame associated either with a betrayal of a partner, or with a public insult, etc. A person, fearing possible ridicule from others, loses a sense of self-confidence … After a while, the intensity of feelings decreases, instead of them there is an acute hatred of others. This state is a kind of compensatory mechanism, but it is this that ultimately leads to an explosive manifestation of aggression that can harm people and their property.
Severe stress is one of the causes of amok
The following factors contribute to the start of amok:
- heat (overheating);
- stress;
- sexual arousal;
- insomnia;
- some infections;
- a number of chronic somatic diseases.
Stages
During amok, three phases are distinguished:
- Initial. Various neurasthenic manifestations are characteristic.
- Average. Rage builds up, symptoms of paranoia, depersonalization, and some somatic disorders appear.
- Actually amok. A state of uncontrolled and very strong homicidal excitement.
Symptoms
At the initial stage of amok formation, the patient experiences fear, anxiety, and self-doubt. He believes that those around him laugh at him and despise him. The patient closes in on himself and fixates on his psychological problem.
After a while, hatred of others arises. The patient begins to perceive his actions as if from the outside and comes to the conclusion that it is impossible to control them (state of depersonalization). At the same time, he perceives the world around him as unreal (a state of derealization).
Finally, the growing hatred and rage get out of control, the amok itself develops. In this state, the patients are agitated, screaming, rushing about. They lash out at the people around them with fury, not realizing either their actions or their consequences. Having found a weapon, they run away, not making out the road, and attack anyone they meet, trying to kill him.
Amok often ends up with a suicide attempt
If the patient can be neutralized and other people do not kill him for self-defense, then after a few hours his condition improves. Arousal passes, consciousness is normalized. Congestive amnesia and severe weakness develop. Suicide attempts are not uncommon.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of the disease in the early stages can only be carried out by a psychiatrist. In the amok stage, the diagnosis is usually not in doubt.
Treatment
With the development of amok, the patient must be securely fixed with a straitjacket, wide soft bandages and other devices. After a few hours, the psychosis will end on its own.
After the end of the attack, the patient needs adequate rest, nutrition, and specialized psychiatric care.
Consequences and complications
In the midst of an attack, the patient can be killed both by representatives of the security forces and by the citizens around him in order to save the lives of those whom he threatens.
After the end of the attack, the patient should be under close medical supervision, as the risk of suicide is high.
Forecast
If a patient with this syndrome is neutralized and does not commit suicide, then the prognosis is favorable.
Prevention
Prevention of amok has not been developed.
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Elena Minkina Doctor anesthesiologist-resuscitator About the author
Education: graduated from the Tashkent State Medical Institute, specializing in general medicine in 1991. Repeatedly passed refresher courses.
Work experience: anesthesiologist-resuscitator of the city maternity complex, resuscitator of the hemodialysis department.
The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
