Xylological Delusions of Being a Tree

The mythology surroundingreverse inter-metamorphosis, a delusional syndrome that involves transformation into a beast, has frightened and fascinated for hundreds of years. A special instance of reverse inter-metamorphosis isclinical lycanthropy, the delusion that one has been transformed into a wolf (or another animal). A recent review identified 43 cases in the literature between 1852 and today (Guessoum et al., 2021). Psychotic depression and schizophrenia were the most common co-existing psychiatric diagnoses in these individuals.The article advocates a cultural and person-centered approach to treatment, as did many of the original authors. The wolf has different characteristics and symbolic meanings across various cultures. As in other realms, popular media and folklore shape the content of the delusion. Occasionally, there may be a literal event that triggers the belief of transmogrification.Clinical Kynanthropy After a Dog BiteThis case report of kynanthropy— delusional transformation into a dog— was notable because the COVID-19 lockdown might have exacerbated the condition. The patient was a 28-year-old single male who started grinning, barking, and walking on four legs after being bitten by a dog... but not until two years later (Jain et al., 2021).He was apparently alright until two months before the presentation, when, due to the COVID-19-related nationwide lockdown, he read excessively on the internet about dog bites. ... he developed a feeling that his tongue ...
Source: The Neurocritic - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Source Type: blogs