Hello fellow writers! Today's post is one to help fuel your imagination.Cotard Syndrome is a rare disorder in which the sufferer believes that he/she is:
- dead
- decomposing/putrifying
- missing internal organs
- not actually existing
- immortal
It can be observed in those with schizophrenia, biploar disorder and is often associated with those suffering depression. Keep in mind that though it has relationships with these disorders, it is still a very rare disorder.
Treatment includes treating the underlying disorder (such as schizophrenia).
Hmm. In writing, Cotard Syndrome would bring a whole other dimension to the zombie trends out there, wouldn't it?
Please keep in mind this post is for writing purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice.
If you've got a fictional medical question, let me know! Post below or email me at
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Also, don't forget to check out Laura Diamond's Mental Health Mondays and Sarah Fine's The Strangest Situation!
52 comments:
Very interesting. Although I'm not sure encouraging more zombie novels is a good idea.
mood
Moody Writing
@mooderino
I'm glad not to be dealing with this syndrome. I love learning something new.
I think this disorder could really fuel the plot of a horror novel, for sure! As always, very interesting!
It would be a great faux zombie novel!
Glad I haven'y got that syndrome.
Very interesting to read though.
Yvonne.
This very interesting. It would make a great novel. **thinking**
Thanks
zombie books freak me out.
didn't know there were zombie novels. good info!
Ha! My grown daughters might say I have this disorder because ever since living on my own, they say they don't know me anymore. My only head trauma is I finally got it screwed on right now.
Wow, there are actual people who believe this??? Those poor souls.
That has got to be one heck of a disorder to live with...or for those who live with the sufferer. Geez....
That's definitely something to think about, thank you. And now you made me want to actually read a zombie novel. Does anyone have any suggestions? :)
I think this disorder would make for an excellent short story plot twist!
It's a very sad disorder really. Glad it's rare but I feel very sorry for those suffering this - oh dear!
Take care
x
Oh wow. This COULD bring a whole other dimension to the zombie trends for sure.
Great post.
The implications for the sufferer and their loved ones must be terrifying.
I feel uneasy just thinking about it.
Have a great week Lydia.
Not familiar with that one Lydia. I think you started some idea fires here as usual though.
Whoa, that is something.
Eewww. I'm glad it's rare.
Happy Monday!
No wonder I don't get zombie love interests *shakes head
Seriously, falling in love with a decomposing immortal? :O
Eeuwww! Dead and rotting and immortal! Oh yeah, zombies. What a way to go.
An interesting dinner guest to be sure!
What do you call it when you believe yourself a plant... bent on the destroying zombies?
That is too strange! Someone definitely needs to write a book about this!
Lydia, this reminds me of some of the sensations experienced by those with pronounced 'schizoidal' personality-- which is something different from schizophrenia, though the two share overlap and tend to 'run in families.' According to some reading I have done, schizoidal personalities sometimes sense a quite literal blurring of boundaries between self and others.
It is interesting that something as fundamental as our experience of our own bodies is a deeply neurological phenomenon.
Very interesting, Lydia. Yes, I think I see the connection too. Our brain is one wild universe. If we don't take care of it, we might as well be a zombie.
Very interesting, Lydia. This has really tempted me to create a character with Cotard Syndrome in a future book. Thanks for the information.
Whoa! I couldn't imagine have this syndrome. Already scared of the IDEA of zombies, don't need to believe the hubby IS one. Loved the post. :)
You just gave someone an idea for a new book! Not me, but someone.
Yikes! Love how you've related this to the zombie trend.
Okay. Yuck. Just...yuck.
-Vicki
You're right, that could bring a very interesting twist to the zombie trend! Wow, there is no end to the interesting disorders of the mind are there?!
Wow. I'm imagining what fun you could have with this in a zombie novel.
How very very strange. Although I guess everything is possible.
I find these brain trauma disorders quite intriquing.
WOW! Stuff like this really exists? Imagine suffering from this and actually thinking you were decomposing. Just, wow.
Ooohh, more zombies! Like we don't see 'em in enough movies & read 'em in enough books. Now I gotta check out the Capgras Delusion guy. You have some fun blogs!
That's an . . . interesting disorder. It's amazing to me that it actually exists!
Okay, so never heard of this one either. Wow, to think of the potential this might have in a story...
This kinda reminds me of my great aunt who thought she had a tape worm. She was in her 90's at the time and also thought there were people spying on her, so we didn't take it all that seriously. Other than have her checked out to make sure she was really okay. :)
How fascinating - I had no idea there was such a thing. I'm glad to hear it's rare!
In writing, Cotard Syndrome would bring a whole other dimension to the zombie trends out there, wouldn't it?
Definitely! That is a very juicy bit of food for thought!
This happened to me during finals week in college, when I stayed up three nights in a row doing a thesis on Star Trek, the Next Generation. Oh, wait, that was Picard Syndrome. LOL. Love your obscure medical syndrome, Lydia.
haha! interesting disorder, i believe it's the mind. like what people often said, you are what you believed you are! :)
Is someone with this syndrome "Cotarded?" Sorry! Bad taste, I know!
How interesting! Lydia, you always have the most awesome info for us!!
Huh. How do you find these? This would definitely make things in the writing world a little more interesting.
This is a small medical question but how long do brain aneurisms last before it kills you?
Hmmm, immediately the story ideas are flying around. I'd never heard of this before.
Yup, this is definitely fiction fodder. ;)
This is awesome. You should eventually write a medical Monday post about how it's possible for a character to be alive, and yet have no pulse:
http://www.npr.org/2011/06/13/137029208/heart-with-no-beat-offers-hope-of-new-lease-on-life
Never heard of this. I always learn so much from your posts. :)
I've never heard of this before. So interesting!
That is SO weird!! Thanks for enlightening us. Wow, zombie syndrome...
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