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“Havana Syndrome†: A post mortem

Author

Listed:
  • Robert E Bartholomew
  • Robert W Baloh
Abstract
Background: Since 2016, an array of claims and public discourse have circulated in the medical community over the origin and nature of a mysterious condition dubbed “Havana Syndrome,†so named as it was first identified in Cuba. In March 2023, the United States intelligence community concluded that the condition was a socially constructed catch-all category for an array of health conditions and stress reactions that were lumped under a single label. Aims: To examine the history of “Havana Syndrome†and the many factors that led to its erroneous categorization as a novel clinical entity. Method: A review of the literature. Results/Conclusions: Several factors led to the erroneous classification of “Havana Syndrome†as a novel entity including the failure to stay within the limitations of the data; the withholding of information by intelligence agencies, the prevalence of popular misconceptions about psychogenic illness, the inability to identify historical parallels; the role of the media, and the mixing of politics with science.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert E Bartholomew & Robert W Baloh, 2024. "“Havana Syndrome†: A post mortem," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 70(2), pages 402-405, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:70:y:2024:i:2:p:402-405
    DOI: 10.1177/00207640231208374
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