In this list you will learn about the rarest and most striking syndromes documented by the scientific community. All of these syndromes have one symptom in common: Delusions.
But before we start I want to quickly clarify what delusions are. We can explain them as false and extravagant beliefs firmly held despite being contradicted and are usually a symptom of a mental disorder.
Now, here is the list:
1. Capgras Delusions
This delusion was named after the doctor Joseph Capgras who first described it, and is represented by the belief that the person closest to the Capgras patient has been replaced by an identical imposter. It is usually associated with schizophrenia, but can also result from brain damage and dementia.
Studies related to Capgras delusions:
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2. Alice in Wonderland syndrome
This syndrome took its name from the wonderful novel by Lewis Carroll, since it is characterized by delusions that affect the perception of time and space.
People who suffer from this syndrome may believe that the objects they see are larger or smaller than they really are, they also have problems establishing time.
According to experts, this type of delirium is relatively common and is not necessarily associated with any mental disorder. It has been reported by children and adults just before falling asleep.
Studies on Alice in Wonderland syndrome:
3. Cotard syndrome
Also known as the. People who suffer from this syndrome believe that they are dead, that they do not exist, or that they have lost their internal organs. Cotard patients tend to be very withdrawn and are usually not able to care for themselves. Typically, this type of delusion is found in people suffering from Schizophrenia.
Research on Cotard Syndrome:
4. Folie à deux
In French it literally means “madness shared by two” and occurs when two or more people who usually live nearby share the same delirium.
Research on Folie à Deux:
5. Thought Insertion
This delusion occurs when the patient believes that their thoughts are not theirs and they believe that those thoughts come from another specific person, sometimes they do not even know where those thoughts come from. This hallucination is a characteristic symptom of schizophrenia.
Research:
6. Jerusalem syndrome
Some people may become obsessed with the city of Jerusalem and may experience symptoms such as anxiety, start wearing a toga, singing hymns, reciting Bible verses, and even preaching in public. According to estimates, hospitals receive around 40 people with this syndrome annually.
7. Othello Syndrome
It is the belief that the partner of the person who suffers from this syndrome is being unfaithful, despite the fact that there is no evidence of any kind and where strong obsessive thoughts are experienced. People with these delusions may pursue their partners, question them, and cases of dementia have even been reported. Clearly this delusion goes beyond jealousy.
Here are some studies on this syndrome:
8. Ekbom syndrome
Ekbom syndrome (not to be confused with restless legs syndrome, also called Ekbom syndrome) is characterized by the belief that the body has been infested with parasites. Sufferers usually hire pest control specialists or dermatologists to “help” them control their infestation.
Study:
9. Clinical Lycanthropy
It is very rare and some scientists believe it is related to the culture of the patients. In short, it is the belief that the person is, or is in the process of becoming, an animal. Typically, people believe that subjects who suffer from lycanthropy only believe they turn into wolves, but research has found people who believe they turn into frogs, cats, horses, hyenas, birds, and even bees.
Studies on lycanthropy:
10. Reduplicative Paramnesia
This condition is usually caused by brain damage and as a result the person believes they are in a location that has been duplicated and/or moved from another location.
There have been reported cases of soldiers with brain injuries believing that the hospital where they are recovering is actually their hometown, even when they are not even close.
Studies on Reduplicative Paramnesia:
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11. Double syndrome
The person who suffers from this syndrome has the genuine belief that there is a double who looks identical to him, but has a different personality and a different life. Reports have found that sometimes the double can be a close family member or a stranger.
In some cases, subjects who suffer from this syndrome believe that someone has stolen their appearance and this can cause psychological and physical attacks. This is most commonly seen in people diagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. It should be noted that it is very rare.
Study:
As an addition we want to do a small test. Can you identify which delusion the image in this article represents? If you know the answer please share it in the comments section below.
Fountain:
Image:
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