Can hysteria also be contagious or epidemic?

Generally, hysteria does not spread or cause epidemics. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Hysterical episodes are closely related to psychosocial factors and individual personality traits. Since there is no definite pathogen involved, hysteria lacks the three essential elements required for infectious disease transmission—namely, a pathogen, a transmission route, and a susceptible population—and therefore cannot be contagious. In certain situations, multiple individuals may experience symptoms sequentially, primarily due to environmental suggestion rather than transmission through physical contact or airborne routes. Such episodes are usually associated with shared stress, anxiety, or specific suggestive cues within a group, representing an accumulation of psychological reactions rather than characteristics of an infectious outbreak.

In daily life, it's important to foster a relaxed and supportive environment, avoiding either excessive attention to or deliberate avoidance of symptomatic behaviors, thereby minimizing psychological suggestion. Encourage open expression of emotions and help alleviate emotional stress through active listening and companionship. Maintain a regular routine with sufficient sleep to prevent emotional fluctuations caused by fatigue. Follow a light and balanced diet, avoiding spicy or stimulating foods that may affect emotional stability. If episodes become frequent or symptoms worsen, promptly seek professional psychological intervention and treatment to help establish healthy emotional regulation strategies.