Unraveling the Mystery: Demystifying Hysterical Blindness in Private Blithe's Band Of Brothers Episode 3

Summary

The sudden and complete loss of vision experienced by Private Blithe in Band of Brothers was not fictional but rather drawn from the genuine medical condition known as conversion disorder, previously labeled as "hysterical blindness."

Conversion disorder is an uncommon psychological ailment that is activated by severely stressful circumstances, providing an explanation for Blithe's affliction during the Battle of Carentan. It should be noted that Blithe's temporary blindness did not hinder his remarkable military success afterward, which contradicts the depiction of his fate in the show.

In one episode of Band of Brothers, Private Blithe experiences a unique and genuine affliction. The HBO miniseries, based on Stephen Ambrose's non-fiction bestseller, portrays the experiences of Easy Company, an American battalion of paratroopers, from their training in Atlanta, Georgia to Hitler's Eagle's Nest during World War II. While the show contains certain historical inaccuracies, it has received praise for its overall accuracy and faithfulness to the testimonies of real war veterans.

Among the incredible stories depicted in the miniseries is that of Private Albert Blithe, portrayed by Marc Warren. After Easy Company's initial major battle, Blithe suddenly and completely loses his sight. This is just one of the casualties experienced by the company throughout the series, but it is certainly among the most unusual. The authenticity of Blithe's blindness is still debated, but the symptom can be attributed to an actual psychological condition.

Conversion Disorder's Psychological Definition Explained

In the third episode of Band of Brothers, titled "Carentan," there is a portrayal of Private Albert Blithe experiencing symptoms of conversion disorder, previously referred to as "hysterical blindness." This occurrence happens during the Battle of Carentan. When Lt. Dick Winters visits Blithe, he reveals that he went blind during the battle, but his vision returns after being comforted by Winters. This suggests that the blindness may have been caused by psychological factors rather than physical ones.

Conversion disorder, also known as functional neurologic symptom disorder, is characterized by sudden onset blindness as a significant symptom. This condition is acknowledged in the DSM-5, the diagnostic manual of the American Psychiatric Association. Other symptoms associated with conversion disorder include tremors, balance problems, difficulty swallowing, and deafness. It is typically triggered by highly stressful situations, which aligns with Blithe's sudden development of symptoms during the battle. While the condition is infrequent and challenging to confirm due to its psychological nature, it is known to occur in military environments.

Did Private Blithe Become Temporarily Blind In Real Life?

Private Blithe's temporary blindness is mentioned in Stephen Ambrose's non-fiction book Band of Brothers, which supports its information with eyewitness testimonies and historical documents. The veracity of Private Blithe's claim of hysterical blindness cannot be disputed. However, despite the portrayal in Band of Brothers where Blithe dies in episode 3, the actual Albert Blythe survived the war and continued to have an exceptional military career, serving in Korea and West Germany. Similar to the portrayal in the show, Blithe's blindness was temporary, although the exact cause remains uncertain.