Foolishness
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Foolishness is a pathological condition characterized by unmotivated cheerful behavior and childish antics that appear forced and artificial, often giving the uninformed observer the impression of pretense. This tension reflects the discrepancy between the patient's internal experiences and their external behavior.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
FOOLISHNESS, a pathological condition characterized by unmotivated cheerful behavior and childish antics that appear forced and artificial, often giving the uninformed observer the impression of pretense. This tension reflects the discrepancy between the patient's internal experiences and their external behavior. Older authors noted foolishness in the period preceding recovery from psychosis, as well as in certain organic psychoses (after apoplexy), the so-called moria. At present, foolishness is considered characteristic of certain hysterical states and especially of the hebephrenic form of schizophrenia.
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“Foolishness.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/foolishness/