Between October 1905 and May 1906, an estimated 237 children in Meissen, Germany, were afflicted with a mysterious trembling disease, which was later attributed to mass hysteria. The outbreak, which affected children in a school setting, reflected the vulnerability of young people to psychogenic illness and the power of suggestion in triggering physical symptoms. The Meissen trembling disease remains a notable example of epidemic hysteria in the early 20th century.

The Meissen trembling disease has been cited in psychological and sociological studies as an example of mass psychogenic illness in a school setting. The event has inspired writers to explore the dynamics of fear and the power of suggestion among young people, and it has been referenced in works that examine the psychology of groups and the role of stress in triggering collective behavior. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the psychological dimensions of illness.