THE LICANTHROPY: THE PSYCHO-NEUROLOGICAL AND SOMATIC ASPECTS

Abstract

The review article considers syndrome of lycanthropy when patient considers oneself as an animal (more often as a wolf). The clinical picture of lycanthropy is typical for such mental diseases as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychotic depression. The lycanthropy can be developed against the background of dementia and epilepsy. In number of cases, concept of lycanthropy, especially in the past, was related with expressed hirsutism or severe congenital porphyria and also with diseases manifesting expressed changes of face (leprosy, syphilitic gumma). The lycanthropy can be developed after intake of psycho-active substances, in case of intoxication with vegetable alkaloid or against the background of alcohol abuse. Therefore, it is necessary to carry put a corresponding examination of patients to exclude neurological or somatic cause of this syndrome. The anti-psychotic medications, antidepressants, electroconvulsive therapy and psychotherapy are applied for treatment in case when lycanthropy is caused by mental pathology.

Keywords

review / lycanthropy / neuro-psychiatric and somatic aspects / differential diagnostic / treatment

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