The idea of a human turning right into a wolf might sound like something out of a horror movie. But there’s an actual – albeit rare – syndrome that makes some people consider this is going on to them. It is known as clinical lycanthropy or lycomania. There isn't much research on this because there aren't many known cases. But it's been pretty much documented over the centuries. Even if doctors should not sure in regards to the exact causes, the disease might be treated. However, there isn’t a standard of care, as is the case with another diseases and conditions.
Clinical lycanthropy might be caused or influenced by neuropsychiatric disorders, cultural and social aspects, and physical problems. Experts consider that the causes vary from case to case.
Its name comes from the Greek words “wolf” and “man”. The concept of humans turning into wolves has existed in mythology and various cultures throughout history. In recent years, popular movies have shown people turning into wolves.
Some experts consider that individuals with this disorder see wolves as something delusional Representation of evil. In some cases, individuals with this disorder report believing they’re possessed by demons and are being punished. But some think wolves are strong and noble.
Some experts consider that it’s delusional misidentification syndrome (DMS). This is a gaggle of disorders by which people don’t recognize familiar objects or consider that objects are being modified. Other experts say clinical lycanthropy could also be a culture-bound syndrome, involving a mental illness or unusual behaviors shaped by cultural norms or environments.
DMS can occur if you might have:
- Drug intoxication and withdrawal
- Cerebrovascular disease
- traumatic brain injury
- dementia
- delirium
- Seizures
Those who are suffering from clinical lycanthropy also appear to have other things in common. You may suffer from serious mental illnesses akin to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or psychotic depression. You may take hallucinogenic drugs, drink alcohol or have epilepsy.
Research suggests that this may increasingly be triggered by a mismatch between your brain and your self-image.
Further studies are needed to know how other disorders could also be related to clinical lycanthropy. Some possible ones are:
- Feelings and sensations that can not be medically explained (called zenesthesia), e.g. For example, the thought that there are wires in your mouth or the sensation that parts of your body are contracting
- Difficulty processing information received through your senses
- Abnormalities in the best hemisphere of the brain
- Sleep apnea
- Disturbed Daily rhythm or lunar cycles
Signs might be:
- Claiming to see physical changes to your body if you look within the mirror (e.g., your teeth lengthening, claws, or hair growing)
- Making growling or howling noises or other animal noises
- Craving or eating raw meat
- Walk on all fours
Some individuals who have experienced clinical lycanthropy say that they’d moments where they realized they were human but, looking back, remembered feeling like an animal.
One person reported transforming into other animals (not only a wolf) before realizing they were humans. In other cases, individuals with this disorder consider that individuals around them are also being transformed into animals or creatures.
A recent study examined 43 cases of clinical lycanthropy and cynanthropy reported between 1852 and 2020. (KAntropia is a related condition by which people consider they will or will grow to be dogs. Clinical lycanthropy and cynanthropy are types of zoanthropy by which an individual thinks they’re an animal.)
Researchers say clinical lyncanthropy can occur during a younger person's first psychiatric episode or in individuals with chronic psychosis. However, not all cases are related to psychological disorders. Some of those affected had epilepsy, others took hallucinogenic drugs or drank alcohol.
In this study, researchers examined cases of clinical lycanthropy reported within the United States, Western Europe, Turkey, Iran and India. They found that it may affect people anywhere on the planet. They also found that the best way you perceive wolves can play a task in whether you evolve wolves.
Clinical lycanthropy is treated individually. Doctors may prescribe antidepressants or mood-regulating medications when you also suffer from depression or mania. They might provide you with antipsychotic medication. Symptoms often improve or disappear over time.
A study linking the disorder to obstructive sleep apnea concluded that physicians should search for underlying neurological problems in patients with lycanthropy symptoms. However, more research is required to find out whether treating other medical problems can prevent or improve the condition.
If you think that you might be affected by clinical lycanthropy, seek advice from your doctor or behavioral health skilled.