Every Major Psychological Disorder Explained

Coffin Syndrome (Cotard Syndrome)

Cotard Syndrome, also known as “Walking Corpse Syndrome,” is a rare disorder where individuals believe they are dead, do not exist, or have lost their blood or internal organs. Those affected often experience severe depression and delusions, with a predominant belief that they or parts of their body are dead or rotting away. Some may feel they have lost their soul or vital essence, leading to drastic actions such as throwing away possessions, refusing to eat or drink, or injuring themselves without feeling pain. Others may feel a sense of immortality or withdraw from loved ones, believing neither they nor their family is real.


Munchausen Syndrome

Munchausen Syndrome involves individuals deliberately feigning or exaggerating physical or mental illnesses to gain attention and sympathy. They may seek extensive medical tests and procedures despite not being sick. Those with this condition often engage in obsessive research about medical conditions, leading to anxiety when their fabricated illnesses are questioned. Interestingly, they derive relief and satisfaction from the medical attention they receive, even at the risk of unnecessary medical procedures.


Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by feelings of guilt and disgust. Victims consume large quantities of food in a short period, feeling a loss of control over their eating. To cope with guilt and fear of weight gain, individuals often engage in purging behaviors, such as vomiting, misusing laxatives, or excessive exercise. This disorder can overwhelm thoughts and emotions, leading to feelings of isolation and shame.

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

ODD is primarily diagnosed in children, marked by a pattern of defiance and hostility toward authority figures. Children with this disorder often react with rudeness or defiance to requests, displaying behaviors that are troublesome to others but may not significantly trouble them. Their defiance is almost automatic, embodying a mindset characterized by stubbornness and a persistent refusal to comply with rules.


Olfactory Reference Syndrome

Individuals with Olfactory Reference Syndrome have a fixed belief that they emit a foul odor, despite there being no evidence to support this. This belief can lead to obsessive worry and distress, resulting in excessive hygiene practices like repeated showering, changing clothes, and using perfumes. The fear of being judged or ridiculed for their perceived odor can lead to social avoidance, causing isolation and loneliness.


Folie à Deux (Shared Psychotic Disorder)

Folie à Deux involves a shared delusion between two or more individuals, often a close relationship, where one person believes that different people are a single person in disguise. This disorder can lead to extreme suspicion of others, with individuals believing they are being harmed by this perceived single entity. It may result in intense distress and fear in social interactions.


Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is characterized by an obsessive fixation on perceived flaws in one’s appearance, often minor or imaginary. Individuals may focus excessively on their skin, hair, or body shape, believing they are ugly. Mirrors become a source of torment, prompting them to engage in rituals to hide or fix their perceived flaws, leading to comparisons with others and persistent dissatisfaction.

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Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable. Those affected often avoid public transportation, enclosed spaces, and open areas, fearing panic-like symptoms or embarrassment. In severe cases, individuals may become unable to leave their homes entirely.


Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

BPD involves difficulties with emotion regulation and personal relationships. Individuals experience intense emotions that can shift rapidly, sometimes leading to impulsive behaviors such as reckless spending, substance abuse, or self-harm. Small triggers can provoke disproportionate emotional reactions, making it challenging to maintain stable relationships.


Diogenes Syndrome

Diogenes Syndrome primarily affects older adults, particularly older men, and is marked by extreme hoarding, poor hygiene, and social withdrawal. Individuals are often unaware of their self-neglect, living in hazardous conditions filled with trash and clutter. They may display taboo behaviors, such as urinating or defecating in inappropriate places, with little concern for societal norms.


Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is characterized by irresistible urges to pull out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, or other areas. This behavior can lead to noticeable bald patches and often occurs during stress or boredom. Individuals may enter a trance-like state while pulling hair, and attempts to stop are usually unsuccessful, leading to significant emotional distress.


Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

DID involves the presence of multiple distinct identities within an individual, often as a response to trauma. Each identity, known as an “alter,” may have its own name, age, and characteristics, with the person often lacking memory of events when another identity is in control. The switching between identities can be triggered by stress, leading to significant disruption in daily life.

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Hypochondria (Illness Anxiety Disorder)

Hypochondria is characterized by a constant fear of having a serious medical condition, despite reassurance from healthcare professionals. Individuals often misinterpret minor symptoms as signs of severe illness, leading to frequent doctor visits and anxiety over potential health issues.


Derealization Disorder

Derealization Disorder involves feelings of detachment from oneself or the environment. Sufferers may feel as if they are living in a dream, experiencing a sense of unreality regarding their emotions and surroundings. This can extend to friends and family, making them feel unfamiliar and distant.


Dissociative Amnesia

Dissociative Amnesia is marked by gaps in memory, particularly related to traumatic events. Individuals may experience sudden and unexpected memory loss, blocking out distressing memories as a protective mechanism to cope with emotional pain.


Dermatillomania

Dermatillomania involves a compulsive urge to pick at the skin, often leading to damage and scarring. This behavior is frequently triggered by negative emotions or stress, providing temporary relief but ultimately resulting in long-term distress and physical harm.


Erotomania

Erotomania is a behavioral disorder characterized by an unfounded belief that another person is in love with the individual. Often fueled by social media, those with erotomania may interpret innocent gestures as proof of love, leading to persistent attempts to contact the object of their affection, even when no reciprocation exists.


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