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Cabin fever: A folk belief and the misdiagnosis of complaints

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Abstract

“Cabin fever” is a common term in the northern tier of states, Canada and Alaska. Two possible indicators of cabin fever—domestic violence and mental health admissions—do not support the popular belief that it is a common winter phenomenon in the North. The result of inaccurate popular belief may be the misdiagnosis of complaints and inappropriate or inadequate treatment.

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Authors

Additional information

Christensen, Russ, M.A., M.S., is Director of Developmental Disabilities Programs for Presbyterian Medical Services, Farmington, New Mexico. He received his M.S. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Alaska, Anchorage.

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Christensen, R. Cabin fever: A folk belief and the misdiagnosis of complaints. Journal of Mental Health Administration 11, 2–3 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02829015

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02829015

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