Latency period

Latency period is a term used in psychoanalysis and psychology to refer to the period of relative calm that occurs between more active and potentially conflict-ridden phases of sexual development. It is also used in medicine to refer to the time from exposure to an infectious agent until symptoms develop, or the period between the infection of a cell by a virus and the manifestation of illness in the host.

Psychoanalysis and Psychology

In Freudian psychoanalysis, the latency period follows the phallic stage of psychosexual development, and precedes the onset of puberty. During this period, which typically occurs between the ages of six and puberty, the libido's energy is suppressed and children focus more on developing social and other skills.

Medicine

In medicine, the latency period refers to the time between exposure to a disease and the onset of symptoms. This period can vary greatly depending on the disease. For example, the latency period for HIV can be up to 10 years, while for chickenpox it is typically 10 to 21 days.

Virology

In virology, the latency period is the time between the infection of a cell by a virus and the manifestation of illness in the host. During this period, the virus may be dormant and not cause any symptoms. This is seen in diseases such as herpes and HIV.

See also

• Incubation period
• Prodromal phase
• Infectious disease

References

Latency period Resources
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