Frank Jacobs diagnoses them:
Holy Land visitors of a deeply religious disposition risk being overwhelmed by the experiences of their trip. This type of culture shock is called Jerusalem Syndrome, after the city in which it often manifests itself. The syndrome involves obsessive, delusional and/or psychotic behaviour, not rarely leading to messianic hallucinations. The condition is mercifully ecumenical, afflicting Christians, Jews and Muslims alike. It is triggered by the proximity to religious landmarks, and hence the heightened perception of divine presence.
…Rome Syndrome is less universal than its Jerusalem variant, pertaining almost exclusively to Catholic pilgrims. Those overwhelmed by the cultural treasures of Firenze are said to suffer from Stendhal Syndrome, after the French writer who first reported the palpitations, confusion and dizziness associated with visiting the city beautified by the Medicis.
To my knowledge, this syndrome has never been diagnosed for New York.
Because, one suspects, those with the deepest love of New York City already live there.
(Video: New York State of Mind from james bernal on Vimeo)
The Dish 