Evitatious Phenomenon: A Case Illustration and Proposed Research Criteria

Cureus. 2025 Jan 2;17(1):e76815. doi: 10.7759/cureus.76815. eCollection 2025 Jan.

Abstract

This article introduces the evitatious phenomenon, with a proposed research criteria for behaviors induced by stress-related avoidance in occupational and psychiatric settings. Evitatious Phenomenon is characterized by a conscious desire to avoid stressors, leading to unconscious behaviors that inadvertently result in avoidance. Unlike malingering or factitious disorder, evitatious phenomenon is not marked by intentional deception but rather by an unconscious process, filling a gap in the current understanding of stress-induced behaviors. Three brief illustrative cases are outlined.

Keywords: avoidance behaviors; evitatious phenomenon; occupational medicine; occupational psychiatry; return to work.

Publication types

  • Case Reports