It’s one of those topics that we find hard to resist. Like when we come across a video of a natural disaster. Or see a tantalizing headline. Rare psychological disorders are one of those subjects – it’s hard not to dive in when we get a hint that there’s something creepy or disturbing lurking in the unknown!

In fact, the study of psychological disorders that affect both our physical and mental health is one particularly interesting facet of psychology and brain study.

At KindCompasCoach, we do a lot of research to understand how various psychological conditions can impact our mental health, relationships, and more.

This research has led us to information about conditions of all kinds, including both common and unusual psychological disorders.

So, keep reading and prepare to be amazed!

Rare Psychological Disorders

Many psychological disorders have been recognized for virtually as long as time has been recorded.

Ancient philosophers and physicians were more apt to attribute symptoms of psychological disorders to supernatural causes than we are today.

In the Middle Ages, there was also a school of thought that attributed psychological disorders to an “imbalance of the humors.”

Fortunately, scientists and medical professionals have come a long way since then.

Today, we know that many psychological disorders stem from chemical imbalances in the brain.

We are also keenly aware of how our environment and personal history can impact our behavior.

Scientists have also made great progress in identifying measures we can take to alleviate the impact of previous trauma and other negative experiences.

What Makes Something a Psychological Disorder?

A psychological disorder is a pattern of behavior that impacts a person’s life, negatively, on multiple fronts. The root cause of the negative behavior originates in the brain and impacts a person’s thoughts and feelings.

The end result of the disorder is evident in a person’s behavior.

Today, in general, psychologists consider mental conditions that impact a person’s ability to function and live a normal life as abnormal.

These psychological disorders are often referred to as “mental illnesses”. Definitions have changed over time, as has the terminology used to refer to these conditions.

Today, the preferred term is “mental disorders“.

Common mental disorders include anxiety, depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders.

But there are other rare psychological conditions that are not as well-known.

Let’s explore a few of those next.

Rare Psychological Disorders: Synesthesia

Synesthesia is an unusual disorder where people’s senses are connected, or overlap, in strange, involuntary, ways.

People with synesthesia may associate tastes with different colors, colors with letters of the alphabet, or sounds with days of the week.

Other examples include associating different shapes with specific types of food, or a certain color with individual people in their lives.

More women than men experience synesthesia.

And if you’re left-handed, you may be slightly more likely to have it then right-handed people.

There are quite a few famous people who have been diagnosed with synesthesia including musicians and artists.

Technically, synesthesia is classified as a neurological condition. (Neurological conditions involve the nervous system while psychological conditions involve mental health and human behavior).

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (also known as AIWS) is another unusual psychological disorder. It is rare and most often occurs in children.

Those with AIWS do not properly recognize the size of things nearby or sometimes, even parts of their own body.

The most common form of this disorder effects how people see the things around them.

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome can extend to other aspects of life and cause distorted impressions of reality.

This disorder may have a connection to migraine headaches, schizophrenia, seizures, stroke, and a range of mental health conditions including depression.

Cotard’s Syndrome

Cotard’s syndrome is also known as “walking corpse” syndrome.

People with this psychological disorder believe they are dead or immortal.

Some with Cotard’s Syndrome believe that their organs are not working properly.

Or that they are missing body parts.

Cotard’s Syndrome may be a symptom of other conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or depression.

But the condition can be quite difficult to diagnose. People with Cotard’s Syndrome may not seek help or may be misdiagnosed with depression.

Rare Psychological Disorders: Capgras Delusion

Capgras Delusion is another rare psychological disorder.

People with Capgras Delusion believe that someone they know, or a pet, has been replaced by an imposter.

They recognize their loved one, but they do not experience the usual emotional connection with them. As a result, they believe that they are engaging with a fake replacement.

The affected person may feel as though they are being deceived or that their loved one is in danger.

They also tend to believe that the imposter aims to harm them or someone else.

Those with Capgras Delusion experience stress and anxiety and may ultimately become violent.

Capgras delusion often arises in conjunction with brain damage. It can sometimes accompany schizophrenia, or epilepsy.

Rare Psychological Disorders: Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome

Cyclical vomiting syndrome is a psychological disorder that causes people to experience severe vomiting and nausea.

Episodes can last for hours or days and may be accompanied by abdominal pain and headaches.

It’s more common in children than adults. In some cases, this condition can last a lifetime.

Cyclical vomiting comes on with no apparent cause.

Severe episodes require hospitalization and possible triggers for this disorder include stress and anxiety, fasting, sinus infections, or the change of seasons in fall and winter.

The cause of this disorder is unknown; however, it may be related to migraines.

Rare Psychological Disorders: Hikikomori

Hikikomori is an unusual psychological disorder most commonly seen in Japan.

It is a form of social withdrawal. People with this condition isolate themselves for an extended period of time.

This disorder can be caused by various factors, including social anxiety, depression, and family issues.

There are varying degrees of severity of Hikikomori.

Some with the disorder leave their homes rarely.

Some do not leave their homes at all. Others may never leave a specific room within their home.

Technically, Hikikomori is not considered a mental illness; it is considered a “social cultural mental health phenomenon.”

Individuals with this disorder should seek help as prolonged isolation can lead to further mental health issues.

Rare Psychological Disorders

These are just a few examples of the many unusual psychological disorders that exist.

Mental health is as important as physical health and it’s essential to seek help for any disorder.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a psychological or mental disorder (common or otherwise), seek professional help as soon as possible. Help may be just a phone call away.

Though it can be interesting to read about rare psychological conditions, they are no joke to those afflicted. Be kind and compassionate to anyone you encounter who appears to be struggling in any way.

Should you experience suicidal thoughts or ideation, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 from anywhere in the United States. Your call will be routed to a local center where you can quickly access mental health services.

Thank you as always for reading.

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