Definition of Resignation syndrome

Resignation syndrome: a psychological disorder that affects children and teens who have experienced emotional trauma during a lengthy and difficult migration process. The symptoms begin with depression and gradually progress into a state of stupor, in which tube feeding is necessary and the affected individual appears unconscious, not responding even to painful stimuli. The condition has been described as similar to catatonia, which can have multiple causes. Over the past decade, several hundred cases of this condition have been reported in Sweden. The cause of the condition and the reason for the geographic clustering are unknown. In those affected, gradual return to normal function has occurred after periods of months to years.