Alice in wonderland syndrome

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Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (pronunciation: /ˈælɪs ɪn ˈwʌndərlænd ˈsɪndroʊm/) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by distortions of visual perception, the body image, and the experience of time. The syndrome is named after Lewis Carroll's famous 19th century novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, in which the title character experiences similar symptoms.

Etymology

The term "Alice in Wonderland Syndrome" was first coined by British psychiatrist John Todd in 1955. Todd was inspired by the strange experiences described by Alice in Lewis Carroll's novel, such as growing and shrinking in size. The medical term for the syndrome is "Todd's Syndrome", named after John Todd himself.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of Alice in Wonderland Syndrome include:

  • Micropsia: This is a condition where the individual perceives objects as being smaller than they actually are.
  • Macropsia: This is the opposite of micropsia, where objects are perceived as being larger than they are in reality.
  • Time perception disorder: Individuals may perceive time as passing incredibly slowly or quickly.
  • Derealization: This is a feeling of being detached or disconnected from one's surroundings.

Causes

The exact cause of Alice in Wonderland Syndrome is unknown, but it has been associated with several conditions, including migraines, brain tumors, and the use of psychoactive drugs. It is also thought to be more common in children and adolescents.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for Alice in Wonderland Syndrome. Treatment usually involves managing the underlying condition that may be triggering the symptoms. For example, if the syndrome is associated with migraines, then the migraines will be treated.

See also

External links

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