How Do You Spell PATHOMIMESIS?

Pronunciation: [pˈaθəmˌa͡ɪmsiz] (IPA)

Pathomimesis is spelled as /pæθoʊmaɪˈmiːsis/, with the first syllable pronounced as "pa-tho" and the second syllable pronounced as "mi-mee-sis". The IPA phonetic transcription breaks down the pronunciation of each letter and sound in the word. "Pa" as in "pat", "tho" as in "though", "ma" as in "mama", "i" as in "eye", "mee" as in "meat", and "sis" as in "sister". The term pathomimesis refers to the unconscious imitation of illness symptoms in response to suggestive social or cultural factors.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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PATHOMIMESIS Meaning and Definition

  1. Pathomimesis is a term derived from the combination of two Greek words: "pathos" meaning suffering, and "mimeisthai" meaning to imitate. It refers to an unconscious or intentional act of mimicking or imitating physical symptoms of a medical condition or illness without actually experiencing the underlying pathological process.

    In a psychological context, pathomimesis can be seen as a form of somatic symptom disorder, where individuals manifest fake or exaggerated physical symptoms for various reasons, such as seeking attention, sympathy, or to deceive others. These individuals may inadvertently adopt the appearance or behavior associated with a particular illness, which might include limping, groaning, or displaying pain and discomfort, creating an impression of genuine suffering.

    Pathomimesis can occur due to a variety of factors, such as psychological distress, unconscious motivations, or even conscious deception. It is different from malingering, where an individual intentionally fabricates symptoms for secondary gain, such as obtaining financial compensation or avoiding legal responsibilities.

    The concept of pathomimesis highlights the complex relationship between mind and body, as it demonstrates how psychological factors can involuntarily influence physical expressions. It is important to note that pathomimesis should be carefully evaluated by healthcare professionals, as it may signify underlying psychological issues that require appropriate assessment and treatment.

  2. Mimicry of disease, whether intentional or unconscious.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PATHOMIMESIS

  • oathomimesis
  • lathomimesis
  • -athomimesis
  • 0athomimesis
  • pzthomimesis
  • psthomimesis
  • pwthomimesis
  • pqthomimesis
  • parhomimesis
  • pafhomimesis
  • paghomimesis
  • payhomimesis
  • pa6homimesis
  • pa5homimesis
  • patgomimesis
  • patbomimesis
  • patnomimesis
  • patjomimesis
  • patuomimesis
  • patyomimesis

Etymology of PATHOMIMESIS

The term pathomimesis is derived from two Greek words: pathos meaning suffering or disease, and mimesis meaning imitation or representation.