Clinical lycanthropy: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Clinical lycanthropy
| synonyms        =
| field          = [[Psychiatry]]
| symptoms        = Delusion of transforming into a [[wolf]] or other [[animal]]
| onset          =
| duration        =
| causes          = Unknown, possibly related to [[psychosis]] or [[neurological disorder]]
| risks          =
| diagnosis      = [[Clinical diagnosis]]
| differential    = [[Schizophrenia]], [[Bipolar disorder]], [[Dissociative identity disorder]]
| treatment      = [[Antipsychotic medication]], [[psychotherapy]]
| prognosis      = Varies, often depends on underlying condition
| frequency      = Rare
}}
'''Clinical lycanthropy''' is a rare [[psychiatric syndrome]] that involves a [[delusion]] that the affected person can transform into, has transformed into, or is a non-human animal. Its name is connected to the mythical condition of [[lycanthropy]], a supernatural affliction in which humans are said to physically shapeshift into wolves.
'''Clinical lycanthropy''' is a rare [[psychiatric syndrome]] that involves a [[delusion]] that the affected person can transform into, has transformed into, or is a non-human animal. Its name is connected to the mythical condition of [[lycanthropy]], a supernatural affliction in which humans are said to physically shapeshift into wolves.
== Symptoms and diagnosis ==
== Symptoms and diagnosis ==
The central symptom and defining feature of clinical lycanthropy is a delusional belief in the ability to transform into an animal, or that one has already transformed. While the condition is named after the wolf transformation of lycanthropy, patients may believe they have transformed into a variety of animals.
The central symptom and defining feature of clinical lycanthropy is a delusional belief in the ability to transform into an animal, or that one has already transformed. While the condition is named after the wolf transformation of lycanthropy, patients may believe they have transformed into a variety of animals.
Clinical lycanthropy is diagnosed through a psychiatric evaluation. This involves a detailed interview with the patient and often with the patient's close family or friends. The goal is to understand the patient's symptoms, when they began, and how they affect the patient's life.
Clinical lycanthropy is diagnosed through a psychiatric evaluation. This involves a detailed interview with the patient and often with the patient's close family or friends. The goal is to understand the patient's symptoms, when they began, and how they affect the patient's life.
== Causes and treatment ==
== Causes and treatment ==
The exact cause of clinical lycanthropy is unknown. It is thought to be related to other psychiatric and neurological conditions, such as [[schizophrenia]], [[bipolar disorder]], and [[neurodegenerative diseases]]. It may also be related to cultural beliefs and symbolism.
The exact cause of clinical lycanthropy is unknown. It is thought to be related to other psychiatric and neurological conditions, such as [[schizophrenia]], [[bipolar disorder]], and [[neurodegenerative diseases]]. It may also be related to cultural beliefs and symbolism.
Treatment for clinical lycanthropy typically involves treating the underlying condition. This may involve medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
Treatment for clinical lycanthropy typically involves treating the underlying condition. This may involve medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Lycanthropy]]
* [[Lycanthropy]]
* [[Psychiatric disorders]]
* [[Psychiatric disorders]]
* [[Delusional disorder]]
* [[Delusional disorder]]
== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />
{{stub}}
{{stub}}
[[Category:Psychiatric disorders]]
[[Category:Psychiatric disorders]]
[[Category:Delusional disorders]]
[[Category:Delusional disorders]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]
{{No image}}

Latest revision as of 22:53, 3 April 2025


Clinical lycanthropy
Synonyms
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Delusion of transforming into a wolf or other animal
Complications N/A
Onset
Duration
Types N/A
Causes Unknown, possibly related to psychosis or neurological disorder
Risks
Diagnosis Clinical diagnosis
Differential diagnosis Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, Dissociative identity disorder
Prevention N/A
Treatment Antipsychotic medication, psychotherapy
Medication N/A
Prognosis Varies, often depends on underlying condition
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


Clinical lycanthropy is a rare psychiatric syndrome that involves a delusion that the affected person can transform into, has transformed into, or is a non-human animal. Its name is connected to the mythical condition of lycanthropy, a supernatural affliction in which humans are said to physically shapeshift into wolves.

Symptoms and diagnosis[edit]

The central symptom and defining feature of clinical lycanthropy is a delusional belief in the ability to transform into an animal, or that one has already transformed. While the condition is named after the wolf transformation of lycanthropy, patients may believe they have transformed into a variety of animals. Clinical lycanthropy is diagnosed through a psychiatric evaluation. This involves a detailed interview with the patient and often with the patient's close family or friends. The goal is to understand the patient's symptoms, when they began, and how they affect the patient's life.

Causes and treatment[edit]

The exact cause of clinical lycanthropy is unknown. It is thought to be related to other psychiatric and neurological conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and neurodegenerative diseases. It may also be related to cultural beliefs and symbolism. Treatment for clinical lycanthropy typically involves treating the underlying condition. This may involve medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

<references />

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