TED Talks Daily The razor-thin line between contagion and connection | Dan Taberski
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Jun 25, 2025 
Dan Taberski, a documentary podcaster known for his investigative storytelling, explores a mysterious outbreak of tics among high school girls in Leroy, New York. He reveals how psychological factors, stress, and trauma can trigger mass psychogenic illness. The discussion touches on the delicate line between contagion and connection, highlighting how shared experiences can foster community among those with tic disorders. Taberski uncovers the profound influence of belonging on both health and relationships, illustrating the complexities of human experience.
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Leroy High Mass Hysteria Case
- In 2011, multiple high school girls in Leroy, NY suddenly developed tics resembling Tourette's syndrome without clear medical cause.
- An investigation found no physical cause, leading to the diagnosis of mass psychogenic illness or mass hysteria spreading among connected students.
Mass Psychogenic Illness Explained
- Mass psychogenic illness causes real physical symptoms without organic cause, spreading rapidly among connected individuals.
- It's a contagion linked to social connection, reflecting how stress and trauma manifest collectively in groups.
Stress Points Trigger Illness
- Mass hysteria usually occurs at societal stress points or fissures, triggered by collective anxiety.
- These outbreaks reveal how societal pressure and trauma express as shared physical symptoms.