What is Cotard's Syndrome?

Here I go.

Cotard's Delusion (Also known as Cotard's syndrome) is a rare mental illness in which the affected person holds the belief that he or she is already dead, does not exist, or has lost his or her blood or internal organs.

First interesting thing to note. analysis of 100 patients it was indicated that the denial of self-existence is a symptom present in 69% of the cases of the Syndrome. Yet, contradictory, 55% of the patients present delusions of immortality!

The delusion of negation is the prime symptom in Cotard's Syndrome. the patient afflicted with this mental illness usually denies their existence, or in most cases the existence of a certain body part, or the existence of a portion of their body.

It exists in three stages. 1. Germination stage Which includes the symptoms of psychotic depression and hypochondria appear.

2. Blooming stage The full development of the syndrome and the delusions of negation.

3. Chronic stage Continued, severe delusions and chronic psychiatric depression.

This syndrome withdraws the afflicted person from other people. Which usually means neglecting their personal hygiene and physical well being. The delusion of negation of self prevents the patient from making sense of external reality. Producing a very distorted view of the external world.

Hope this helps.