What condition, linked with mass hysteria, was believed to occur due to a tarantula bite?

Tarantism is the correct answer because it refers to a historical condition characterized by mass hysteria, where individuals believed they were afflicted after being bitten by a tarantula. This phenomenon was particularly noted in Italy, where people would reportedly experience uncontrollable dancing, uncontrollable twitching, and other extreme behaviors. The societal belief during that time was that the bite of a tarantula could lead to symptoms requiring a form of release, often expressed through music and dance, hence the term "tarantism."

In contrast, lycanthropy refers to a psychological condition where an individual believes they can transform into a wolf or exhibit wolf-like behaviors, which does not relate to the effects of a tarantula bite. Psychosis is a broader term that refers to a disconnection from reality and may encompass various disorders, but it is not specifically linked to mass hysteria related to tarantulas. Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors or mental acts, which also do not pertain to the historical context of tarantism.