Dromomania

Dromomania is a historical psychiatric diagnosis whose main symptom is an uncontrollable psychological urge to wander. Patients with this diagnosis would spontaneously depart from their routine, travel long distances and undertake a completely new life, forgetting their past.

History

The term 'dromomania' was coined in the late 19th century, and was commonly used in psychiatric literature of the time. The most famous case of dromomania was that of Jean-Albert Dadas, a gas-fitter from Bordeaux in France. His compulsive travels took him to Prague, Vienna, Constantinople and Moscow.

Symptoms

The main symptom of dromomania is the uncontrollable urge to travel. This is often accompanied by a sense of restlessness, a feeling of being trapped in one's current circumstances, and a desire for change and novelty. Some patients may also experience amnesia or forgetfulness about their past.

Diagnosis

Dromomania is no longer recognized as a separate psychiatric disorder. Today, symptoms similar to those of dromomania may be associated with a variety of conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and dissociative disorders.

Treatment

Treatment for dromomania would typically involve addressing the underlying psychiatric condition. This could involve medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.

See also

• Wanderlust
• Dissociative disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia