Boanthropy

Boanthropy is a psychological disorder in which a human believes himself or herself to be a bovine. The most famous example of boanthropy is the biblical King Nebuchadnezzar, who in the Book of Daniel was driven from men and did eat grass as oxen.

History

The term boanthropy comes from the Greek words for ox (bos) and man (anthropos). It was first used in the 19th century to describe the condition of certain individuals who believed they were transformed into an ox or cow and behaved accordingly. This condition is considered a form of zoanthropy, which refers to the delusion of a human who believes they have turned into an animal and behaves as such.

Symptoms

People with boanthropy exhibit behaviors such as walking on all fours, eating grass, and being drawn to cow pastures. They may also refuse to eat meat or any food not typical of a cow's diet. This condition is often associated with other mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder.

Causes

The exact cause of boanthropy is unknown. However, it is believed to be a psychological response to extreme stress or trauma. Some researchers suggest that it may be a form of hypnosis, where the person is convinced they are a cow and begins to act like one.

Treatment

Treatment for boanthropy typically involves psychotherapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy. This form of therapy helps the individual recognize and change thought patterns that lead to problematic behaviors. In some cases, medication may also be used to manage any underlying mental health disorders.

See also

• Clinical lycanthropy
• Zoanthropy
• List of psychological disorders

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