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PubMed1983

Clinical vampirism. A presentation of 3 cases and a re-evaluation of Haigh, the 'acid-bath murderer'.

Clinical vampirism is named after the mythical vampire, and is a recognizable, although rare, clinical entity characterized by periodic compulsive blood-drinking, affinity with the dead and uncertain identity. It is hypothetically the expression of an inherited archaic myth, the act of taking blood being a ritual that gives temporary relief. From ancient times vampirists have given substance to belief in the existence of supernatural vampires. Four vampirists, including Haigh, the 'acid-bath murderer', are described. From childhood they cut themselves, drank their own, exogenous human or animal blood to relieve a craving, dreamed of blood-shed, associated with the dead, and had a changing identity. They were intelligent, with no family mental or social pathology. Some self-cutters are auto-vampirists; females are not likely to assault others for blood, but males are potentially dangerous. Vampirism may be a cause of unpredictable repeated assault and murder, and should be looked for in violent criminals who are self-mutilators. No specific treatment is known.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Paradox lost. The latah problem revisited.

This paper examines the validity of Dr. R. C. Simons' resolution (Simons, R. C. The resolution of the latah paradox. J. Nerv. Ment. Dis., 168: 195-206, 1980) of the so-called latah paradox. Latah, a Malay condition precipitated by sudden fright and involving compulsive obscenity and mimesis, was found to be closely related to local cultural values; yet a paradox seems to arise from the fact that analogous conditions are reported from unrelated cultures. Simons accounts for this by proposing that latah and its kindred states are based on the universal human startle reflex and that latah is merely a culture-specific exploitation of a neurophysiological potential shared by humans and other animals. It is here argued that the evidence does not support such a view and that latah-like conditions are best considered in terms of their local meaning within their societies of origin; ethnographic material from Siberia is examined as a case in point. It is concluded that the "latah paradox" is illusory and that biomedical approaches to the question have seriously misread the nature of the phenomenon and potentially distort clinical practice in relation to it.

Compulsive Behavior↗
PubMed1983

Psychosomatic concepts in dermatology. A dermatologist-psychoanalyst's viewpoint.

Few experienced clinicians remain unimpressed both by the influence of psychological and social factors on the physical state and by our relative inability to deal adequately with this aspect of the practice of dermatology. This article reviews the historical development of psychosomatic concepts, describes some theories concerning the process whereby somatization takes place and why a particular disease is "chosen," reviews some of the relevant basic science findings, offers a working classification of psychocutaneous disease, and, finally, makes some suggestions as to how we may become more effective in handling this important part of our clinical practice.

Alopecia↗
PubMed1982

Psychological testing at high altitudes.

Psychological testing was done on 20 subjects at various altitudes (sea level, 3,8,10 m, and 5,000 m) during a 35-d mountaineering expedition to Denali (Mt. McKinley). Intellectual functioning and personality changes were studied. While little variation was noted at the lower altitude, at 5,000 m there was a marked deterioration in cognitive ability. This was accompanied by a sharp increase in paranoia and obsessive-compulsiveness and smaller increases in depression and hostility.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Fatal compulsive water drinking.

In two cases of psychogenic polydipsia, water intoxication developed and contributed to the patient's death. The treatment of the patient with psychogenic polydipsia has been based on the presumed reversibility of the condition. Treatment of such patients must be reconsidered in light of these deaths.

Adult↗