How Do You Spell PITHIATISM?

Pronunciation: [pˈɪθɪətˌɪzəm] (IPA)

Pithiatism is a rare medical condition characterized by hysterical or functional paralysis. The word is pronounced as /ˈpɪθiəˌtɪzəm/ and spelled with two consonants in a row, "th" and "t". The "pithia" part comes from the Greek word "pithia", meaning "insanity", and "-ism" means "condition". This word may seem intimidating with its unusual spelling and pronunciation, but it's valuable for medical professionals to know in case they encounter a patient with pithiatism symptoms.

PITHIATISM Meaning and Definition

1. Pithiatism is a medical term that refers to a psychological condition wherein a patient presents with symptoms that are intentionally feigned or exaggerated for secondary gains, such as attention or financial compensation. This term was coined in the late 19th century by French physician Jean-Martin Charcot, who believed that these symptoms were a result of unconscious psychological motivations.

   In pithiatism, patients may simulate physical or mental disorders, often without obvious organic causes. They may complain of a wide range of symptoms, including pain, weakness, sensory disturbances, or paralysis. These symptoms may be inconsistent, changing over time or appearing contradictory. The patient may also exhibit signs of malingering, such as dramatic reactions, inconsistent behavior, or overly compliant behavior towards medical professionals.

   Pithiatism typically occurs in individuals who have a predisposition to histrionic or factitious disorders. These individuals may have a history of emotional or psychological trauma, which predisposes them to seek attention or support through their symptoms. Diagnosis of pithiatism requires careful evaluation and observation by healthcare professionals, ruling out any genuine organic causes of the reported symptoms.

   Treatment for pithiatism focuses on addressing the underlying psychological issues that motivate the patient to adopt these feigned or exaggerated symptoms. Psychotherapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help the patient develop healthier coping mechanisms and gain a more accurate understanding of their emotions and motivations. A multidisciplinary approach involving psychiatrists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals, is necessary to provide comprehensive care for individuals with pithiatism.

2. 1. A morbid condition curable by suggestion. 2. The treatment of disease by suggestion.

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

Common Misspellings for PITHIATISM

• oithiatism
• lithiatism
• -ithiatism
• 0ithiatism
• puthiatism
• pjthiatism
• pkthiatism
• pothiatism
• p9thiatism
• p8thiatism
• pirhiatism
• pifhiatism
• pighiatism
• piyhiatism
• pi6hiatism
• pi5hiatism
• pitgiatism
• pitbiatism
• pitniatism
• pitjiatism

Etymology of PITHIATISM

The word "pithiatism" is derived from the Greek word "pithiatēs" (πιθιατής), which means "persuader" or "suggestor". It is a combination of the Greek words "pithia" (πίθια), meaning "deceptive persuasion" or "trickery", and "-iatēs" (-ιατής), which denotes a practitioner or one who specializes in a certain field. The term "pithiatism" was coined by the French psychiatrist Jean-Martin Charcot in the late 19th century to describe a form of hysteria characterized by suggestion and imitation of symptoms.