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.

Antisocial personality disorder symptoms

Suspect someone you know is a Psychopath?

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), more commonly referred to as ‘Psychopathy,’ is a behavioural disorder that significantly impacts an individual's behaviour, relationships, and overall functioning. People with ASPD exhibit patterns of manipulation, deceit, and disregard for the rights and feelings of others, often becoming leaders through manipulation and / or coercion and being able to focus under extreme pressure.

Symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder

ASPD is characterised by a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the symptoms of ASPD include:

Deceitfulness - Repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure.

Impulsivity - Making decisions on a whim without considering the consequences.

Irritability and Aggressiveness - Frequent physical fights or aggressive outbursts.

Reckless Disregard for Safety - Engaging in dangerous activities with little regard for personal or others' safety.

Consistent Irresponsibility - Inability to sustain consistent work behaviour or honour financial obligations.

Lack of Remorse - Indifference or rationalisation of having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another.

Exploitation - People with psychopathy are highly likely to exploit others for their own gain without any feelings of remorse towards them.

For a diagnosis of ASPD, these behaviours must be present from the age of 15 and must persist into adulthood.

Notable Individuals Exhibiting ASPD Traits

Ted Bundy: The infamous serial killer exhibited classic ASPD traits, such as charm, deceitfulness, and lack of remorse. His ability to manipulate and his repeated criminal behaviour are indicative of severe antisocial tendencies.

Charles Manson: The leader of the Manson Family cult showed extreme aggression, manipulation, and a complete disregard for human life, traits aligning with ASPD.

Lucy Letby: The British serial killer who used her position as a neo natal nurse in the Royal Countess of Chester hospital to murder seven babies and attempt to murder a further six. She has shown no remorse for her crimes and maintains that she is innocent, despite being found guilty on these counts by jury following a ten-month Crown Court trial in 2023.

Read ‘The Wisdom of Psychopaths’ by Dr. Kevin Dutton

Statistics between men and women, the general population VS the prison population.

Prevalence: ASPD is more commonly diagnosed in men than in women. Estimates suggest that around 3% of men and 1% of women in the general population meet the criteria for ASPD.

Prison Populations

In prison settings, the prevalence of ASPD can be even higher. Research suggests that 30-50% of male inmates and 20-25% of female inmates exhibit traits consistent with ASPD. The disorder is associated with higher rates of recidivism and violent behaviour in prison populations.

Read ‘Left for Dead,’ the best-selling British crime novel.

The link between Psychopathy and Narcissism in domestic abuse

Studies have shown that individuals with high levels of psychopathy and narcissism are more likely to engage in domestic abuse. They are often more physically, emotionally, and psychologically abusive, with those scoring highly for ASPD and NPD likely to have multiple abusive and dysfunctional relationships.

Behavioural Manifestations

Men - Men with ASPD are more likely to engage in overtly aggressive and criminal behaviour. They are often involved in physical violence, theft, and substance abuse. Their antisocial behaviours are more visible and frequently result in legal consequences. They may display more outwardly aggressive and controlling behaviours. They often struggle with anger management and may have a higher propensity for engaging in risk-taking activities.

Women - Women with ASPD tend to exhibit more subtle forms of manipulation and deceit. Their antisocial behaviours may manifest as relational aggression, such as spreading rumours or emotional manipulation. Women with ASPD are also more likely to have co-occurring disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or anxiety disorders. They might exhibit more internalising symptoms, such as chronic feelings of emptiness or unstable self-image. Their manipulative behaviours can be more covert, and they may use their charm and social skills to deceive others.

Read ‘The Good Psychopaths Guide to Success,’ by Dr. Kevin Dutton.

But is psychopathy always a bad thing?

Like it or not, the world needs psychopaths. They make the best surgeons. Chefs and Lawyers. The trait of a psychopath is a lack of empathy, leadership, working under extreme pressure and being able to keep one's cool.

Other notable professions are police officers, CEOs, salespeople, and journalists.

Are you a psychopath?

Take the test now.

What is the Narcissistic Abuse Cycle?

 What is the Narcissistic Abuse Cycle?

You meet the love of your life, and within a few months, they’re living with you. Suddenly, they’re screaming at you for something you didn’t even know you had done, and then they disappear without a trace, leaving you broken and damaged, wondering what the hell just happened. Sound familiar? You may have just encountered someone who was not only unhealthy but possibly a narcissist.

Other sources on the internet will tell you that the narcissistic abuse cycle consists of Love Bombing, Devaluation, Discard, and Hoovering. However, this post will delve deeper into each step, exploring the tactics used and the reasons behind a narcissist's actions.

Love Bombing and Adulation

When you first meet…

When you first meet a narcissist, they will sweep you off your feet. You’ll wonder where this person has been all your life. They take you to all the nice places, treat you like they worship you, compliment you, and laugh at your jokes. And let’s not ignore the sex – it’s amazing. You feel like you’ve hit the jackpot, and this is exactly what the narcissist is counting on.

Read ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go,’ by Ramani Durvasula PhD

While you’re sharing your experiences, your past, and your troubles, they are taking notes. They’re creating a mental arsenal to use against you later. So, you keep pouring out your heart, keep seeing them, and they keep treating you better than anyone ever has. The sex is incredible. You feel sexy. You feel amazing. You are now firmly on the hook, and the narcissist has something new to play with. In return for all the adulation they give you, you reciprocate. You give them your compliments, your love, your money, your body. Every bit of you is poured into them. But as with all relationships, that passionate fire can’t stay raging permanently. As your flames die down to a steady ember, their fire needs feeding.

Devaluation and Control

Narcissists have a compulsion to control those around them. In social situations, a highly narcissistic person will always be the centre of attention. They want to peacock, seeking potential mates’ notice and competition’s fear or envy, regardless of whether they are already in a relationship.

In a relationship, a narcissist employs the Power and Control model to assert dominance over their victims. They are natural abusers. To fit the definition of a narcissist, one must be abusive, as part of the nine traits of narcissism includes exploitation. They are characterized in the DSM-5 as having an abusive personality type.

Power and Control

‘In Control: Dangerous Relationships and How They End in Murder’ - Prof Jane Monckton-Smith

The Power and Control model is how narcissists create, elicit, and maintain control over their victims. This can be done through threats of violence to the victim, their family, children, and even to themselves. “If you leave me, I will kill myself,” is a common line used. If you hear this, you must get out of the relationship and seek professional help.

When the narcissist knows you have grown attached to them, they will slowly begin to withdraw the love and adulation. They will become passive-aggressive, making small comments about the relationship or you. They may threaten to harm themselves if the relationship ends and then deny they ever said anything, making you think you’re imagining it (this is called gaslighting). A narcissist will get angry, using fear and intimidation to maintain control. When they feel the victim is pulling away, they may do one of three things:

1 - Revert to adulation to keep the victim in the relationship.

2 - Become violent, threatening, or commit a false execution.

3 - If the victim leaves the relationship, revert to stalking.

The reason for this is that until the narcissist is done with the victim, they will not allow the relationship to end. Narcissists require adulation and ‘supply’ from others to maintain their sense of importance.

A Narcissist has many masks. One they wear for you, and the other they wear for the rest of the world.

In cases of domestic violence, a narcissist will not show their true colours or be outright verbally abusive unless they are certain they can convince the victim to stay. This usually happens within the first 90 days of a relationship.

Physical abuse often follows coercion. It is the next stage in the relationship, where violence and verbal abuse can become more frequent and escalate. The narcissist may apologise if they hit you and make every excuse for their behaviour. But know this: if the narcissist has been violent, they have been silently abusing you for a long time and think they can get away with it. If someone lays hands on you, leave the relationship because it will happen again. Even if it never does, the memory of it is enough to keep you in line.

The Nine Traits of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissism and the the new Mirror of Social Media

Ever noticed how narcissists are very active on social media, showing off their bodies, posting selfies, assets, or the great charity work and achievements? It’s all about the likes, comments, and admiration. The world has become the narcissist’s mirror, allowing them to project an altruistic, brilliant image and receive love and praise in return. Hence, if a narcissist breaks their phone, they may have a complete meltdown because they have lost their mirror.

Read ‘A Cult of One,’ by Narcissism Expert Richard Grannon.

Discarding

Discarding happens when the narcissist has had enough of their current supply and finds someone else who can give them what they want. To the narcissist, you are not a person with wants, wishes, and desires. They care no more about you than they do a new jacket they grow bored of. They see avatars of people in their world, not other human beings they share it with.

When a narcissist discards you, they leave you with whatever mental or physical scars they have inflicted and then move on as if you never existed. That is, unless they hoover you back into the relationship.

Hoovering

A narcissist will come back to the victim if they allow it. If the risk versus reward of continuing the relationship is enough for them, they may apologise for their behaviour, book a holiday, promise to change, or even ask you to marry them. Do not believe it. This is the start of the cycle again, and it will go around quicker and often more violently with each spin of the vitriolic wheel.

Can a Narcissist Change?

No. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a behavioural disorder. There is no medication, no surgery, no finding God. A narcissist cannot change who they are any more than a leopard can change its spots. The person they showed you at the start was a mask, an act to get you to fall in love with them.

Left for Dead - The Best-Selling British Crime Thriller

Other Things to Look Out For

Smear Campaigns

When the relationship ends, the narcissist may conduct a smear campaign, contacting your friends, family, employer, and even posting on social media, painting you as the bad one and themselves as the victim.

Damage Control

Following an abusive episode, it is common for the abuser to not allow the victim to be on their own and insist on doing something nice together. This is so the narcissist can maintain control and smooth things over with the victim. They may call the victim after storming out in rage, showing up as the loving person they initially presented until the victim forgives them, and the cycle begins again.

Heat Seeking

This can happen when the narcissist blocks the victim on social media after the relationship ends. It is a way for the narcissist to check on the victim and see if they notice they have been unblocked. It is a way for the narcissist to:

1 - See what the victim is doing and see if they wish to make contact.

2 - Avoid a narcissistic injury if the victim never responds.

3 - Be vindicated and forgiven for their behaviour if the victim reaches out first.

Reverse Hoover

Sometimes, when the narcissist discards the victim, the victim may be so broken and hurt that they recontact the narcissist, willingly putting themselves back into the relationship, thus enabling the narcissist to continue their abuse.

But the narcissist doesn’t always accept that the relationship is over, which can lead to stalking.

Read more about my conversation with an expert in stalking [here].

The Nine Traits Of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (and Why You Only Need To Know ONE).

Narcissism is on the rise. That much is clear. So, it’s important that we know how to identify someone quickly who is high in narcissistic traits. Below, I have outlined the nine traits of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, under the acronym SPECIAL ME. Plus, I have included the only reason you should ever truly need to know you’re dealing with a particularly toxic individual.

Remember, you only need to score highly in five of these traits to be classified as having NPD.

S – Sense of Importance.

Does the person you are dealing with believe that they should receive special treatment wherever they go? Do they fly into a rage or into a tantrum quickly when hearing the word ‘No’? If that is the case, you might be dealing with a toxic individual who believes that they are the centre of the universe.

Read ‘A Cult of One,’ by Narcissism expert Richard Grannon.

P – Preoccupation with power, beauty or success.

‘I deserve to be famous!’ ‘I deserve that promotion!’ ‘No, let me post our photos so I know they’re done right, and I look great.’ Sound familiar?

Narcissistic people believe that they are above other people, and that they should get the best in life, regardless of merit or if they have worked for it. It should be awarded to them because they are them. As for beauty, narcissists project the image of perfection to the world, so they must control what others see. An unflattering photograph is a smudge on their mirror, and that simply won’t do.

E – Entitled.

Narcissists believe that they are entitled to have whatever they want, whenever they want it. This means your attention, your money, your sex, and your energy. And when they have sucked you dry and you can no longer give them what they want, they will move onto the next. See also ‘Vampire.’

C – Can only be around people that are important or special.

You know that person who is always sucking up to the boss, or that person who has to be with the cool kids? Yup. It’s for their own self-worth. If they’re around successful people, it’s so that they can feel and appear successful to others.

I – Interpersonally exploitative for their own gain.

Anyone who has dated a narcissist will know exactly what is meant by this. Family. Friends. Co-workers and especially romantic partners will all know that the narcissist must be admired, and that they are highly manipulative for their own gain. They do not see you as another person. They see you as an extension of themselves. As someone who must serve them, or they are erased from their life, and if this supply of love and attention was to criticize the narcissists, then you better be ready or the rage that comes afterwards.

A - Arrogance.

Have you ever told a narcissist, no? Told them that they can’t have or do something that they want to do? Or have you ever shown them that what they are doing is wrong? They twist it so you’re in the wrong. It’s what they do. You cannot tell a narcissist ‘no.’ You cannot make them give a genuine apology, because to apologise or to accept wrongdoing or fault means that they are not perfect, and they cannot and will not admit this.

L - Lack of empathy.

A narcissist doesn’t care that you’re crying or your hurt. It doesn’t benefit them. They cannot feel bad for you. They don’t know what it is. A narcissists heart is a cold rock that barely beats. They show no emotion to others unless it benefits them in some way. They do not care that they cheated on you, lied or stole from you. In their minds, they were justified to do such things, and you are the problem for getting upset over it.

Read ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go,’ by Prof. Ramani Durvasula PhD.

M – Must be admired.

Rinse. Repeat. It’s exhausting.

E – Envious of others, or believes others are envious of them.

If someone has more than them, they want it, hence why they hang around with the high rollers. Or they believe people are envious of them, which is why they gloat and project their success so much.

But the biggest sign that you are dealing with a toxic person is this.

You are reading this article. You are looking online for answers. You are searching on YouTube for narcissism or toxic relationships or something along those lines. Put simply, if everything was okay, then you wouldn’t be so confused.

Listen to that voice in your mind telling you something isn’t right. It’s trying to help you.

Stalkers. Who they are, and what they want.

Jay Darkmoore is a crime and horror author with a background in crime and investigation, researching topics such as narcissism, coercive control and stalking behaviours.

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