COTARD'S SYNDROME/WALKING CORPES SYNDROME

COTARD'S SYNDROME
WHAT IS WALKING CORPSE SYNDROME?

Edited by, SOWNDHARYA

People with Cotard's syndrome which is also called walking corpse syndrome or Cotard's delusion, believe that parts of their body are missing, or that they are dying, dead or does not exist. They may think nothing exists. Cotard's syndrome is very rare with about 200 known cases worldwide. Though the symptoms are extreme, most people get better with treatment.

SYMPTOMS:

People with this syndrome often become much less social. Sometimes, they may stop speaking at all. Some hear voices that tell them they are dead or dying. 

Others may refuse to eat, because, among other reasons, they see no point since they are "dead". Some may try to harm themselves.

CAUSES:

It is not clear what causes Cotard's syndrome. The syndrome is often a symptom of a deeper medical problem that affects the brain, such as:

• Dementia

• Encephalopathy

• Epilepsy

• Migraine

• Multiple sclerosis

• Parkinson's disease

• Stroke

• Bleeding that happens outside the brain because of a severe brain injury.

Some experts think Cotard's syndrome results from two types of brain damage. The first changes the way people view themselves. The second makes dumb continue to believe this false view, even when they are shown its not true.

WHO GETS IT?

Cotard's syndrome can happen at almost any age, though it strikes many people in their early 50's. Many people who have it also have a history of mental health problems, especially:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Schizophrenia

• Substance abuse

Most have some kind of brain damage that shows up on imaging tests. The harm may come from:

• A stroke

• A tumor

• A blood clot

• An injury

• Additionally, Cotard's syndrome may cause bipolar disorder in teens and young adults.

DIAGNOSIS:

It should be easy to spot. The problem is that it's a symptom of another condition, not a disease and its not listed in the DSM.

It is usually diagnosed after doctors rule out other conditions that look like it. One such disorder is Capgras syndrome, when a person believes a friend or family member has been replaced by an identical fake. It's also called "imposter syndrome"

TREATMENT:

The goal of the treatment is to treat the underlying cause for this syndrome as Cotard's syndrome often manifests as a symptom of an underlying neurological condition. 

Most people do best with the combination of medication and the form of talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychotherapy. Both of these provide a safe place for people to talk about how they feel and help them find healthier ways to think and act. 

Medicines used to treat Cotard's Syndrome include:

• Antipsychotics

• Antianxiety drugs

• Antidepressants