The "jerks": mass hysteria or epilepsy?

Journal Article

Hysterical "epidemics" of "epilepsy" are well known in Eastern and Western cultures. A unique situation in the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries was the American religious movement, the setting in which "the jerks" occurred. Descriptions of various types of "jerks," including dancing, barking, laughing exercise, running exercise, and singing exercise are described.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Massey, EW; Brannon, WL; Riley, TL

Published Date

  • May 1, 1981

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 74 / 5

Start / End Page

  • 607 - 609

PubMed ID

  • 7017946

Pubmed Central ID

  • 7017946

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0038-4348

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States