Ever heard of the Paris syndrome?

The Paris syndrome is a transient psychological disorder, noted the first time in 2004 by Nervure, a French journal of psychiatry. But don’t worry if you are reading this, you’re probably getting immune!

What you should now is that this syndrome affects mostly Japanese visitor of Paris. Every year up to six million Japanese people visit Paris, and they are nearly the only one encountering this syndrome.

What are the characteristics of this syndrome? 

Acute delusional state, Hallucinations, Feeling of persecution (perception of being a victim of prejudice, aggression, or hostility from others), Derealization, Depersonalization, Anxiety, Dizziness,Tachycardia, and Sweating.

How are they triggered? 

First of all the Language Barrier: few Japanese speak French, and vice versa, also not everyone in France speaks English.

Second, the cultural difference: Not only the language acts as barrier, but also the behaviors and the manners: French people communicate on an informal level in comparison the rigidly formal Japanese culture. Apparently for the Japanese the French rapid fluctuation in mood, tense and attitude especially in the way of delivering humor cause the most difficulty.

Third, the idealized image of Paris: In Japanese media and magazines Paris is often described and depict Paris as a place where most people on the street look like models and dress in high-fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton, while in reality French high-fashion brands are mainly for foreign consumers and export.

And Finally, Exhaustion: Most people try to cram too much into every moment of a stay in Paris, along with jet lag, this contributes to the psychological destabilization of some visitors.

So, now you know that, it will certainly not happen to you, just take the city as it is and enjoy your stay without stress, because that’s what holidays are about, no?