Kiwi Doctors prepare for “Rugby World Cup syndrome”………..
An NZPA report says that New Zealand doctors will not be found wanting as the Rugby World Cup marches inexorably towards its inevitable conclusion next month, with this month’s New Zealand Doctor magazine devoting an invaluable two-page spread to help GPs recognise and treat the symptoms of the little-researched but nevertheless debilitating Rugby World Cup syndrome.
Written by Opotiki GP Jo Scott-Jones, the light-hearted article highlights one of the most pressing questions facing New Zealand doctors: What effect is the World Cup rugby tournament going to have on the nation’s health?
Dr Scott-Jones notes that whenever the All Blacks – or indeed any New Zealand team – does badly, there is a national sense of disappointment.
“It is my conjecture this same emotional effect can reflect itself in patient presentation.”
Dr Scott-Jones said the presence of acute stress disorder would not be noted in every patient, but “watching some games (Australia 28 v New Zealand 7 in 1999 springs to mind) the spectator is subject to images of severe trauma and feelings of horror and hopelessness to which a varied response can be expected”.
However, symptoms of stress and acute stress could be observed in all spectators, she said, adding, “Even those watching on their own at home can hyperventilate when the referee awards yet another inappropriate free kick to the team with the best actors and loudest voices.”
“Intrusive thoughts, often violent, can follow poor decision-making by the referee or lost opportunities by the favoured team.”
Dr Scott-Jones pointed out that even favourable outcomes held risks. Climbing into bed with frozen feet to share a celebratory mood with someone who has been asleep “and has to get up for work and really, despite being a pretty good all round person, does not share your enthusiasm for rugby” holds very specific dangers. “Temporary impotence may result.”
To assist doctors in their diagnosis and treatment over the next month, Dr Scott-Jones has listed a swathe of presenting complaints, and notes that persistent symptoms may require “counselling, advice and guidance in progressive relaxation or medications”.
Some options include cognitive behaviour therapy, including exposure therapy – “repeatedly imaging in detail the game in a safe environment (if the therapist can stand it)”.
Or there is group therapy and brief psychodynamic psychotherapy, often performed in the pub at the end of the game.
However, sufferers from acute stress disorder brought on by prolonged exposure to Rugby World Cup syndrome have one small consolation – brief psychotic disorder is ruled out.
Report by the Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive