Eight Horrifying and Deadly Psychiatric Illnesses

Autocannibalism, an extreme and rare form of self-mutilation, involves individuals consuming parts of their own body. This disturbing behaviour, often associated with severe psychological disorders such as schizophrenia, extreme cases of obsessive-compulsive disorder, or severe trauma, pushes the boundaries of human distress and self-destruction. Extreme examples include individuals gnawing on their own fingers or limbs, swallowing hair leading to life-threatening digestive blockages, or repeatedly ingesting their own blood. These acts of self-consumption are driven by profound mental anguish, compulsion, or a distorted sense of reality. The shadow of autocannibalism is profoundly dark, representing a terrifying intersection of self-harm and psychological torment, where the sufferer's body becomes both the target and instrument of their inner turmoil, leaving a haunting testament to the depths of human suffering.

Bipolar Disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These shifts can be intense and unpredictable, significantly impacting an individual's daily life and relationships.

This is not someone having several a mood swings in a day, changing from rageful to loving in a blink of an eye (see borderline personality disorder). Manic phases can last for days, and depression can last for weeks.

People who suffer with Bipolar have reported to have been promiscuous, maxed out their credit cards, emptied their bank accounts, and undertaken very risky activities whilst in a manic phase, then tried to end their lives when they fall into the depressive state.

The causes of bipolar disorder are multifaceted, involving a combination of genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors. Family history plays a significant role, indicating a strong hereditary component.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder often involves a combination of medications and psychotherapy. Common medications include mood stabilizers such as lithium, and others.

Living with Bipolar Disorder can feel like a relentless battle against one's own mind, where periods of boundless energy and euphoria can swiftly descend into the depths of despair. The disorder casts a shadow over the afflicted's life, demanding continuous management and support to navigate its turbulent and often dark landscape.

Capgras delusion is a rare psychiatric disorder where an individual harbours the eerie conviction that someone close to them—often a spouse, family member, or friend—has been replaced by an identical impostor. This unsettling belief disrupts the sufferer’s reality, making them distrust close friends, and even believing that their children have been swapped by another.

There could be a link between tis disorder, and Doppelgangers from Irish folklore.

Any attempt made by the ‘double’ to prove to the sufferer that they are in fact the real person, the sufferer will use cognitive dissonance and justification to further cement their believe that they are, in fact, an imposter.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), once known as multiple personality disorder, is a complex and often misunderstood condition, marked by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities within a single individual. These identities, or "alters," may have unique names, ages, histories, and characteristics such as being right or left handed (amongst others), each emerging to take control of the person's behaviour at different times. This fragmentation is a defence mechanism developed in response to severe trauma, typically during early childhood. The primary identity may be unaware of the existence of others, leading to gaps in memory and a sense of lost time. Though DID is a coping strategy for overwhelming stress, it casts a long shadow over the sufferer's existence, intertwining their reality with an ever-present undercurrent of unease and disquiet.

The host is not in control of when these shifts happen and cannot command them, and this illness is incredibly rare.

Remember that when you see people saying they have it on TikTok.

Munchausen Syndrome is a psychological disorder where individuals deliberately feign or induce illness in themselves to gain attention and sympathy (Munchausen by Proxy is someone convincing someone else they are ill (see the case of Gypsy Rose)). This self-destructive behaviour stems from deep-seated emotional issues, often related to a need for validation and care. The global prevalence is challenging to determine, but it's considered rare, affecting less than 1% of the population, with a higher incidence in men. Causes are complex, involving a combination of psychological trauma, personality disorders, and a history of abuse or neglect. The sinister nature of Munchausen Syndrome lies in the lengths to which sufferers will go to fabricate symptoms, often undergoing unnecessary medical procedures and enduring significant pain, casting a dark and troubling shadow over their lives and the healthcare system.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a psychological condition characterised by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for excessive admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Individuals with NPD often exhibit grandiosity, a constant desire for attention, and a belief that they are superior to others. This pervasive pattern of behaviour can lead to strained relationships and significant distress in various aspects of life. Globally, NPD affects approximately 1% of the population, with men being diagnosed more frequently than women, at a ratio of roughly 2:1. Specifically, around 2% to 6% of men and 1% to 2% of women are believed to suffer from this disorder. However, since the introduction of social media, this number is growing larger, and very rapidly, with other forms of narcissism being uncovered, such as ‘Covert’ or ‘Quiet,’ narcissism. The inner world of someone with NPD is often tumultuous, driven by fragile self-esteem and an insatiable need for validation.

Remind you of anyone you might know?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterised by uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviours (compulsions) that an individual feels compelled to repeat.

This is more than someone being a ‘clean freak.’ This is someone spending hours aligning their shoe collection perfectly because they believe if they don’t, a loved one will die. These compulsions over time can become violent, with sufferers reporting they had the compulsion to throw their hot coffee in someone’s face, or push people over railings.

For some, obsessions centre around fears of contamination, leading to compulsive cleaning and washing that can consume hours each day. Others may experience relentless doubts, resulting in repetitive checking behaviours, such as ensuring doors are locked or appliances are turned off, hundreds of times. More extreme examples include individuals driven to engage in complex rituals or routines that, if not performed perfectly, can lead to overwhelming anxiety. These severe manifestations of OCD can dominate a person’s life, causing significant distress and impairing their ability to function in daily activities.

Anorexia nervosa is a severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading individuals to restrict food intake drastically. This condition predominantly affects adolescent girls and young women, though it can occur in any gender or age group. Anorexia nervosa has the highest fatality rate of any mental disorder, with mortality rates ranging from 5% to 20%, often due to medical complications or suicide. It is frequently associated with other mental health issues, including depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and substance abuse. The interconnected nature of these conditions can complicate treatment and recovery, necessitating a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to care. Early intervention is critical in improving outcomes and reducing the risk of long-term health consequences and fatality.