Aeroneurosis

/ˌɛərənjuˈroʊsɪs/ noun

Definition

A nervous disorder or psychological condition experienced by pilots, often involving anxiety or stress related to flying.

Etymology

From aero- (air) + neurosis (a mental or emotional disorder). This medical term emerged in the early-to-mid 20th century as aviation became common and doctors needed to describe pilot-specific mental health issues.

Kelly Says

Aeroneurosis shows how new technologies create new psychological problems—pilots were experiencing 'air sickness' of the mind before anyone had a name for it, much like how 'social media anxiety' is a modern condition.

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