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Lycanthropy--psychopathological and psychodynamical aspects
P Garlipp1, T Gödecke-Koch, D E Dietrich
1Department of Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. garlipp.petra@mh-hannover.de
Lycanthropy, the delusion of being an animal, is a spectrum of symptoms seen in various mental disorders. Psychodynamically, it may represent projected aggressive or sexual affects, treatable with psychotherapy or medication.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Lycanthropy is a phenomenon involving the delusion of transforming into or being an animal.
- This condition presents unique challenges in understanding its psychopathological underpinnings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the phenomenon of lycanthropy.
- To discuss its psychodynamical aspects and clinical presentation.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- The review focused on the psychopathological aspects of lycanthropy.
Main Results:
- Lycanthropic symptomatology exists on a spectrum, ranging from normal behavior to complete delusion.
- It is observed across various mental disorders, including affective and schizophrenic disorders.
Conclusions:
- Lycanthropy is interpreted as a delusion related to self-identity disorder.
- Psychodynamically, it may involve projecting suppressed affects (aggressive/sexual) onto animal figures.
- Effective treatments include psychotherapy and neuroleptic medication.
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