THE human body has always been a source of fascination. Even with the advances in science and technology today, there are still a number of bizarre medical disorders that sound like the stuff of nightmares and Hollywood blockbusters.
Some affect the mind in a chilling way. For example, the Alice in Wonderland Syndrome often causes migraines that distort a person’s body image, leading to perceived changes in head, hand and foot size. Patients may encounter hallucinations and a distorted sense of time moving too quickly or slowly.
“Patients will have trouble recognizing even their own face and this can lead to complete emotional detachment when individuals look at their own bodies,” noted Las. “This can occur with severe depression and some psychotic conditions, so treatment options may focus on these.”