Madness and Phobias

 

Madness

Madness is recognised in Psychology as an abnormal status, designating obsessions derived from the Greek word mania - madness.

An abnormal obsession concerning one particular thing is termed the monomaniac ( the Greek equivalent of nonos, one) but is otherwise normal.

Let us see a few types of manias that we come across in our routine life.

Dipsomania

Addiction to alcoholic beverages is a compulsion for those who are termed Dipsomaniacs. The dipsomaniac has been defined as a person for whom one drink is too many, still a thousand is not enough. Analysis suggests that dipsomania or addiction to alcoholism, may not necessarily be caused by anxieties or frustration, but possibly by a metabolic or physiological disorder.

Kleptomania

It is an unhealthy state of mind compelling to steal, not from any economic motive, but an irresistible urge to take another's possession. The Kleptomaniac may be wealthy, and yet have an obsession with shop-lifting. Psychologists debate over their findings that more often females than males are prone and may pinch on their best friend's valueless trinkets (small ornaments or tiny valuables) or cheap utensils or salt shakers or spoons from a restaurant, not because they want, let alone needs, the articles, but because they apparently can't help themselves and gets carried away. Back home, these items may find their way to the dust bins or in a drawer.

Pyromania

This is an obsession to set something on fire. Often this is done with the malicious and deliberate intention of burning another's property not necessarily to see the flames and the thrill of the heat and smoke that emanates. The pyromaniac sets fire to the property for the thrill.

But setting fire to other's property for revenge is termed as incendiary.

Setting fire to another's, or to one's own property for an improper purpose, such as economic gain (insurance claim) is termed as arson, a criminal action punishable under Law.

Nymphomania

An obsession to have unceasing, uncontrollable and intense desire on the part of a female for sexual intercourse is termed Nymphomania. (from the Greek word nymphe)

Satyromania

An obsession to have unceasing, uncontrollable and intense desire on the part of a male for sexual intercourse is termed Satyromania (from the Greek word Satyros)

Phobias

Phobias can be considered as the other side of the coin of maniacs.

Like the personality disorders causing attraction towards certain things or acts (stealing, fire, power, sex, etc.,), it is the negative side of other emotional ills that cause violent or sick repulsions to certain conditions, things, or situations. We might have seen people with irrational and deep terrors and affright of cats, dogs, fire, the number thirteen, snakes, thunder or lightning, various colours, and so on. Such fear or terror is called a phobia in the language of psychology.

Let us see three major and most common phobias.

1. Claustrophobia

This is about people who fear being in a crowd, confined in enclosures, and physically caught between people. The word is derived from the Latin word Claustrum and the Greek word phobia. Such a person is known as a Claustrophobe

2. Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia represents fear of being in open spaces, large public buildings, airport terminals and open fields. In Greek agora specifies the market place and phobia is added to it. People suffering from agoraphobia prefer to stay in closed rooms to the possible extent as they panic in open places.

3. Acrophobia

This is the fear of high altitudes and places.

People afflicted by this phobia will not climb ladders, trees or on top of furniture. They will not even go onto the roof of a building or peep through the window of one of the higher floors. This word is derived from the Greek akros meaning highest with the addition of phobia.

Concept and Compilation by:

Sethumadhavan Venkatrao

ssssethu@gmail.com

Chennai, Tamilnadu, 

India 600 073

+919962859676/8838535445