Hypergraphia
Hypergraphia (pronounced: hi-per-gra-fee-uh) is a behavioral condition characterized by the intense desire to write or draw. It is often associated with bipolar disorder and temporal lobe epilepsy.
Etymology
The term "Hypergraphia" is derived from the Greek words "hyper," meaning "over," and "graph," meaning "to write." It was first used in medical literature in the 19th century.
Definition
Hypergraphia is a condition that causes an overwhelming urge to write. It is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom or side effect of other conditions, most notably temporal lobe epilepsy and bipolar disorder. People with hypergraphia may write on any surface available, including walls and furniture, and may produce large volumes of work.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of hypergraphia is a compulsive need to write. This can manifest as writing for extended periods of time, often to the exclusion of other activities. The content of the writing can vary widely, from detailed descriptions of daily events to complex philosophical or religious ideas. Other symptoms can include changes in mood, difficulty sleeping, and a decreased need for food and water.
Related Terms
- Graphomania: A similar condition characterized by a compulsive desire to write.
- Dysgraphia: A condition that affects a person's ability to write coherently.
- Hypographia: The opposite of hypergraphia, characterized by a decreased desire to write.
Treatment
Treatment for hypergraphia typically involves addressing the underlying condition causing the symptom. This can include medication, therapy, or in some cases, surgery. It's important to note that while hypergraphia can be disruptive, it is not always considered a problem that needs to be treated, especially if the individual finds the act of writing to be therapeutic or enjoyable.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hypergraphia
- Wikipedia's article - Hypergraphia
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski