Syndrome or Affliction

A syndrome is a set of medical signs and symptoms, which are correlated with each other and often associated with a particular disease or disorder. The word derives from a Greek word, meaning "concurrence".  When a syndrome is paired with a definite cause this becomes a disease. In some instances, a syndrome is so closely linked with a pathogenesis or cause that the words syndrome, disease, and disorder end up being used interchangeably for them.  Psychiatric syndromes often called psycho pathological syndromes refer both to psychic dysfunctions occurring in mental disorders, and the study of the origin, diagnosis, development, and treatment of mental disorders. In simple words, “a group of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular abnormality or condition that usually form an identifiable pattern”, is called “Psychiatric Syndrome”. However, besides psychiatric side, more relevant to this particular column is the general literary sense where it means “a characteristic combination of opinions, emotions, or behaviour”, e.g. "the ‘Not In My Back Yard’ syndrome". Therefore, without any intent to trespass experts’ domain, this piece is an endeavour to underscore the Psycho-pathological Syndromes afflicting our Society and State without much realisation; let alone acknowledgement of the critical issue and subsequent efforts to recover from it.

In Russia psycho-pathological syndromes are used in modern clinical practice and described in psychiatric literature in the details: asthenic syndrome, obsessive syndrome, emotional syndromes (for example, manic syndrome, depressive syndrome), delusional and hallucinatory syndromes, psychopathic syndromes (includes all personality disorders), clouding of consciousness syndromes (for example, twilight clouding of consciousness, amential and stunned consciousness syndrome), hysteric syndrome and neurotic syndrome. Some examples of psycho-pathological syndromes used in modern Germany are psycho-organic syndrome, depressive syndrome, paranoid-hallucinatory syndrome, obsessive-compulsive syndrome, autonomic syndrome, hostility syndrome and manic syndrome. And the list goes on and on for other countries too.

While the worthy readers who wish to dive deeper on the subject may do so; however, mere names of the Syndromes related to psychological behaviour help us to relate and comprehend the abnormalities observed in people around us, especially those public figures who get a lot of exposure in the electronic and social media like political and bureaucratic elite, artists, sportsmen, media personalities etc. The literate and even unlettered wise people with adequate IQ and EQ levels find it quite upsetting when confronted with such celebrities, especially through their uncontrolled entry in people’s lives through TV and cell phone screens. A majority of people who gleefully come under the spotlight dress up clumsily, speak ungracefully, incoherently, arrogantly and indulge in uncivilized body language and postures. Such psychic symptoms displayed publicly are not only unsavoury that leave a poor impact on the society as a whole; but also have a diplomatic and political backlash. The inappropriate dressing on different formal national and international occasions, undue hugs and kisses, over or under shaking of hands, shifty eyes, excessive indulgence in rhetoric, use of hyperbolic language touching limits of sycophancy, haughtiness in general disposition, narcissistic attitude, lack of globally accepted norms and mannerism, in-explicit and hollow dialogue that is high on grandiosity and low on delivery, slander, and churning out false narratives smacking of duplicity are some of the  pronounced symptoms observed as syndromes, 24/7 among the projected elite. Therefore, wittingly or unwittingly the masses get infected and unfortunately follow in the steps of their unholy and unworthy idols.  A look back at the above mentioned Syndromes identified in Russia and Germany ( just as examples) seem to have afflicted the elite class as well as the general masses living in Pakistan. If someone can’t see the obvious, it in itself is a syndrome!

In fact, as for our ruling palaces and gilded government offices, most if not all these places appear to be suffering from “Dead Lobby Syndrome” and quite a few people inside look to be suffering from “manic or psychopathic syndrome”. Think about the building where you go to work every day. Are you inspired when you walk in the front door? Are you enticed to explore or investigate? Is there a place to stop and spend time with a friend or colleague? If pressed, could you even describe what the space looks like? If any of these questions left you wondering, your building may have ‘Dead Lobby Syndrome’. Classic symptoms of Dead Lobby Syndrome include: Absence of Purpose (Strategy), Lack of Options (Engagement), Indistinct Identity (Brand) and Forgettable Experience (Place). These symptoms share one problem – lack of meaningful experience for the individual. 

In typical medical usage, a syndrome often doesn't have an understood cause, course, or underlying process. This generally means treatments are lacking and there's no known cure. However, when it comes to the above stated general symptoms of syndromes, i.e. the combination of opinion and emotions/ behaviour; the self or pointed out realisation, acknowledgment and commitment to improve upon social norms and behaviour is bound to help in finding the pathway for getting rid of the Syndrome. Or else, the proper treatment of the identified affliction by psychiatrists or clinical psychologists may be in order.

Long Live Pakistan!