A syndrome is a set of medical signs and symptoms that 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, it 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. Psychiatric syndromes, often called psychopathological 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 characterise a particular abnormality or condition that usually form an identifiable pattern” is called a “Psychiatric Syndrome”. However, besides the 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 into the experts’ domain, this piece is an endeavour to underscore the psychopathological 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, psychopathological syndromes are used in modern clinical practice and described in psychiatric literature in detail: asthenic syndrome, obsessive syndrome, emotional syndromes (for example, manic syndrome, depressive syndrome), delusional and hallucinatory syndromes, psychopathic syndromes (including 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 psychopathological 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 into the subject may do so, mere names of the syndromes related to psychological behaviour help us to relate to and comprehend the abnormalities observed in people around us, especially those public figures who receive a lot of exposure in electronic and social media, such as the political and bureaucratic elite, artists, sportsmen, and media personalities. 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 into people’s lives via TV and mobile phone screens. A majority of people who gleefully come under the spotlight dress clumsily, speak ungracefully, incoherently, and arrogantly, and indulge in uncivilised body language and postures. Such psychic symptoms displayed publicly are not only unsavoury, leaving a poor impact on society as a whole, but also have diplomatic and political repercussions. Inappropriate dressing at 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 the limits of sycophancy, haughtiness in general disposition, narcissistic attitudes, lack of globally accepted norms and mannerisms, inexplicit 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 aforementioned syndromes identified in Russia and Germany (just as examples) seems to suggest that they have afflicted both the elite class and the general masses living in Pakistan. If someone cannot see the obvious, that in itself is a syndrome!
In fact, as for our ruling palaces and gilded government offices, most, if not all, of these places appear to be suffering from “Dead Lobby Syndrome”, and quite a few people inside appear 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 – a lack of meaningful experience for the individual.
In typical medical usage, a syndrome often does not have an understood cause, course, or underlying process. This generally means treatments are lacking, and there is no known cure. However, when it comes to the above-stated general symptoms of syndromes – i.e., the combination of opinion and emotions/behaviour – self-realisation, or realisation when pointed out, coupled with acknowledgement and commitment to improve upon social norms and behaviour, is bound to help in finding the pathway to getting rid of the syndrome. Otherwise, the proper treatment of the identified affliction by psychiatrists or clinical psychologists may be in order.
Long Live Pakistan!
Saleem Qamar Butt
The writer is a retired senior army officer with experience in international relations, military diplomacy and analysis of geo-political and strategic security issues.
