Do I Have Stendhal Syndrome?

When you observe great works of art, do you experience tachycardia?

When you observe great works of art, do you experience emotional tension?

When you observe great works of art, do you experience hot flashes?

When you observe great works of art, do you experience exhaustion?

When you observe great works of art, do you experience terror?

When you observe great works of art, do you experience dizziness that can result in fainting or even depression?

When you observe great works of art, do you experience sweating?

When you observe great works of art, do you experience palpitations?

Based on your answers, it is very unlikely that you have Stendhal syndrome. If you love arts and often get overwhelmed by a beautiful work of art, or get goose bumps when visiting an exposition, that is a completely normal reaction. However, some people may show signs of Stendhal syndrome in these situations. The syndrome is also called Florence syndrome, museum disease, or traveler’s stress. The person experiences physical symptoms when observing great works of art.

Based on your answers, you may be displaying one or more signs of Stendhal syndrome. Some people say that Stendhal syndrome is a psychosomatic disease, in which the emotional arousal causes physical symptoms. Others consider the syndrome as a psychic phenomenon. Stendhal syndrome is like an artistic shock. The symptoms that are associated with this syndrome can happen to anybody. Anyone may feel exhausted or dizzy, and the symptoms don’t need to be related to admiring a great work of art. Therefore, it’s a very unusual syndrome.