Are you a werewolf? Or want to become one? No witchcraft or bloodline is required to do that; in fact, all these myths are created based on mere illusions or result from a rare syndrome that makes one believe they are becoming one. Although it all started long ago, its categorization and definition came in the 20th century.
A syndrome that makes people believe that they might be transformed or turned into wolfs is called Lycanthropy or lycomania; However, the phenomenon is very rare among people, but it still exists as a psychological term, and mostly, it is one own perception. There is not much research in this regard and no standard treatment or cure to date; the bit's a result or has direct with other diseases and conditions.
Understanding Clinical Lycanthropy
Clinical Lycanthropy is a rare psychological condition or disease in which a person thinks or believes they are turning into a wolIt's a very rare phenomenon, and the number of persons Lycanthropyy is also very rare; due to this reason, there is no standard treatment for this condition that exists even in current times.
However, it can result from other conditions or diseases; the cause may vary from one person to another due to cultural, social, and physical factors. Persons with neuropsychiatric disorders may develop it, but the cases are rare and hard to find.
Lycanthropy or lycomania is derived from Greek words that explain a combination of a human and a wolf. Its concept is not new; it tracks history, where it exists in different cultures and myths. In recent years it became popular due to its depiction in many movies, where people can see a person transforming from a human to a wolf.
Experts' opinions on the person havingLycanthropy vary as per their interpretations and the person's condition; some think that person having lycomania may see the wolf as a delusional representation of evil, and some report that people with this disorder believe that they are in some demonic possession and are being punished for their doings. In contrast, others believe they share their strength and nobility with wolves, as wolves are strong and noble creatures.
Factors Causing Clinical Lycanthropy
There is no uniformity among the experts regarding what causes clinical Lycanthropy; it's a psychological disorder, and multiple factors can cause it. It varies from one person to another.
Some experts think that the main reason lycomania is delusional misidentification syndrome (DMS), a condition in which it's hard for people to recognize similar objects or th Other experts find out that it is rooted in many different cultures and involves cultural bond syndrome, which is regarded as a mental illness or unusual behaviors shaped by different cultural norms, surroundings, or traditions.
Other than that, other factors can also be the reason for developing clinical Lycanthropy. Most are associated with delusional misidentification syndrome; if you have one of the following conditions, chances are there that you may develop a DMS.
- Abusive Drug use, intoxication, and withdrawal
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- Brain Injury due to trauma
- Dementia
- Seizures
- Delirium
People with Clinical Lycanthropy also have other things in common, as per experts; these things include mental illnesses, which include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychotic depression. Another common thing in these people is their intake of hallucinogenic drugs, alcohol, or even epilepsy.
As per research, this condition may be triggered by a mismatch between a person's brain and need But as per the use case and experts, these possible conditions for Lycanthropy:
- Cenesthopathy includes unexplainable feelings and sensations, like thinking of having wires in the mouth or a feeling of tightening in body parts.
- Trouble in recognizing or processing information that you received through your senses
- Any abnormality in your right brain
- Sleep apnea
- Any disruption in lunar cycles or circadian rhythms
Symptoms of Clinical Lycanthropy
The common symptoms that are found in people with Lycanthropy are
- Seeing or claiming different physical changes in your body while looking in the mirror, some of them are teeth tightening, nails or hair growing, claws, etc.
- Making sounds similar to wolves, including howling, growling, or other similar animal sounds
- Urge or craving of eating raw meat
- Strong feeling to walk on all four limbs
In some cases, people said they had a moment when they realized and recognized themselves as human but could look back and remember feeling like an animal; other claims that they can transform into multiple animal forms, not just wolves. Another research suggests that people with this disorder also believe that people in their surroundings are transformed into animals or take similar forms.
Clinical Lycanthropy Treatment
Treatment of Lycanthropy varies from one person to another, as factors causing it also vary from case to case, doctors after understanding the person's condition, you may give antidepressants or medications that can regulate your mood if you are already suffering from depression or mania you may get antipsychotic medications.
In the case of obstructive sleep apnea, studies show that doctors need to look for issues related to underlying neurology, especially in those with lycanthropy symptoms. Still, more research is needed to prevent this condition and find more ways to improve it.
Final Thoughts
Clinical Lycanthropy is a psychological condition or disease in which a person considers themselves transforming into a wolve; there can be multiple reasons for Lycanthropy, but the most common are related to cultural, social, and other delusional disorders. Similarly, persons with schizophrenia, delusional disorders, or other syndromes are likelier to get it than others.
The treatment or methods to prevent it are limited, as this condition is very rare, but the right approach may get you out of it sooner.
