Clinical lycanthropy
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.
Pronunciation
- Clinical: /ˈklɪnɪkəl/
- Lycanthropy: /laɪˈkænθrəpi/
Etymology
The term "Clinical lycanthropy" derives from the Greek words "lykos" (λύκος), meaning wolf, and "anthropos" (ἄνθρωπος), meaning human. The prefix "Clinical" is derived from the Greek "klinikos" which means "bed", but in medical terms it refers to the observation and treatment of actual patients rather than theoretical or laboratory studies.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Patients with clinical lycanthropy are convinced that they can transform into animals, a belief that is not held in the realm of physical possibility. This delusion can manifest in a number of ways, from thinking one has the mind of a wolf, to feeling an urge to behave like a wolf, or even believing that one has physically transformed into a wolf.
The diagnosis of clinical lycanthropy is typically made based on the patient's self-reported experiences and symptoms, taking into account the absence of a physical cause. The condition is often associated with other mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
Treatment
Treatment for clinical lycanthropy typically involves addressing the underlying condition that may be contributing to the delusions. This can include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Clinical lycanthropy
- Wikipedia's article - Clinical lycanthropy
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