Introduction
There is a continuous and ongoing stigma surrounding mental health. More common mental health disorders barely get enough awareness as is. Thus, people suffering from rare mental health conditions are misunderstood by the general public.
Our job as the younger generation is to deal a blow to this pernicious stigma. Here are ten mental health disorders that you haven't heard of.
Editor's Note: The disorders listed below are in no particular order of rarity, as the number of people with some cases is unknown.
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Apply Now#10 Stendhal Syndrome
Stendhal Syndrome is characterized by violent reactions (that can sometimes be life-threatening) to landmarks and works of art. This syndrome has been referred to as an "Art Attack." Grounding techniques and deep breathing exercises have been coping techniques recommended for those with Stendhal Syndrome.
Symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Heart Palpitations
- Disorientation
- Exhaustion
Causes: No established causes. Psychiatrists present that it comes from the psychological reaction to the emotional significance of history.
Number of Cases: Unknown
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#9 Paris Syndrome
Paris syndrome is characterized by disappointment in how Paris looks. Yup, you read that right. People become so disappointed with how Paris looks that it causes psychological distress.
It is most common among Japanese tourists. An effective coping mechanism is cultural sensitivity training.
Symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hallucinations
Causes: High expectations not being met in Paris, resulting in a mental breakdown.
Number of Cases: 20-30 cases annually.
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#8 Cotard’s Delusion
Cotard's Delusion is characterized by the belief that one is dead, dying, nonexistent, or has missing body parts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Psychotherapy is recommended for those suffering from Cotard's Delusion as a form of treatment to help patients cope.
Symptoms include:
- Nihilism
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Hypochondria
- Guilt
- Preoccupation with hurting yourself or death
Causes: Unknown but is assumed to be caused by brain damage or having a history of mental illnesses.
Number of Cases: About 200 known cases ever.
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#7 Body Integrity Disorder (Apotemnophilia)
Body Integrity Disorder, also known as Apotemnophilia, is characterized by a patient's overwhelming desire to amputate a healthy part of their body. Virtual reality simulation has been used to help patients cope with their disorder along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Medication.
Symptoms include:
- Desire to be physically disabled
- Discomfort from a healthy body part results in intense feelings the body part does not belong
- Self-harm behaviors such as self-mutilation of a specific body part
Causes: Genetic damage to the parietal lobe.
Number of Cases: Unknown
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#6 Capgras Syndrome
Capgras Syndrome is characterized by the belief that someone they know has been replaced by someone who looks the exact same, an imposter. Therapy is first suggested to help the patient cope with Capgras syndrome, but medication has been administered as well.
Symptoms include:
- Delusion is the belief that an imposter has replaced someone or something in their life.
Causes: Unknown but believed to be a broken connection between the central and extended nervous systems that create poor facial recognition.
Number of Cases: 0.12% of the general population.
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#5 Alien Hand Syndrome
Alien Hand Syndrome is characterized by a patient's hand acting involuntarily as though it has its own mind. Patients with this syndrome have reported that their hands have tried to murder them. Cognitive behavioral therapy and hand mittens have been used to help a patient cope with Alien Hand Syndrome.
Symptoms include:
- Involuntary hand movement
Causes: Brain damage.
Number of Cases: 150 reported cases.
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#4 Alice in Wonderland Syndrome
Alice in Wonderland Syndrome is characterized by visual hallucination that alters the perception of one's size, shape, or color. There are no specific treatment options, though if stress is a suspected factor in the cause, meditation is a suggested coping method.
Symptoms include:
- Loss of coordination or senses
- Distorted perception when it comes to sensory
- Time distortion
Causes: Brain swelling, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome, and migraine.
Number of Cases: Fewer than 200 cases ever reported.
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#3 Autocannibalism
Autocannibalism is characterized by self-cannibalism. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Habit Reversal Therapy are all forms of treatment to help a patient cope with Autocannibalism.
Symptoms include:
- In extreme cases, eating one's hair, boogers, fecal matter, scabs, and bodily matter are all symptoms of Autocannibalism.
- In less extreme cases, nail biting is a form of Autocannibalism.
Causes: Is linked to Anxiety and Depression.
Number of Cases: Unknown.
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#2 Conversion Disorder
Conversion Disorder is characterized by a person developing physical symptoms such as blindness without any physical reasoning. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Hypnotherapy, and group/family therapy are all treatment options to help a patient cope with Conversion Disorder. Physical Therapy, Biofeedback, and medication have also been provided to patients.
Symptoms include:
- Any number of motor issues.
Causes: Extreme stress.
Number of Cases: 2-5 patients for every 100,000.
Photo Credits: Altin Ferreira
#1 Gardner Diamond Syndrome
Gardner Diamond Syndrome is characterized by spontaneous bruising. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and corticosteroids are a form of treatment to help those cope with Gardner Diamond Syndrome.
Symptoms include:
- Spontaneous bruises
- Spontaneous swelling
- Headache
Causes: Linked to a history of mental illness along with extreme stressors.
Number of Cases: 200 reported cases ever.
Photo Credits: Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Conclusion
The above disorders listed are some of the rarest psychological disorders in the world. So much so that the DSM-V doesn't even recognize most of them. It is crucial to spread understanding of each disorder to further educate yourself along with spreading awareness of rare mental health disorders!
