Diogenes of Sinope was a philosopher of ancient Greece whose main characteristic was to get rid of all the goods that he owned and likewise prefer to live in total austerity. He disliked acquiring and keeping material things since for him it was nothing more than banal aspects that were inculcated by society in general. He did not agree with the way of thinking of other people and decided to isolate himself from society and live in solitude. Diogenes syndrome is a disorder that refers to this ancient philosopher since people who suffer from it also choose to live alone and totally isolated from others.
In this article from Psychology-Online: Diogenes syndrome: causes, symptoms and psychological treatment, We are going to provide you with all the necessary information so that you know about this condition in greater depth.
Although they also decide to live in austerity even though they have enough financial resources to live much better, the People with Diogenes Syndrome tend to collect everything that comes into their hands and feel incapable of being able to drop it. They are people who accumulate all kinds of things such as useless objects, clothes, newspapers... This type of disease tends to appear more frequently in people 65 years of age and older, especially in women.
Causes of Diogenes Syndrome
Among its main causes is suffering from some other mental illness previously such as:
- Obsessive compulsive disorder or any other type of personality disorder
- Dementia
- Major depression or psychotic depression
- Addiction to some type of substance
It has also been found, among the main causes of Diogenes syndrome that appears in older people who find themselves very lonely, that they have remained socially isolated for a long time since they do not have a family or do not have their support for. Also in people who have lost their sentimental partner.
Regarding treatment, it is necessary to mention that in order for the person to be examined and diagnosed, it is the family or those closest to them who must to take the initiative and accompany the person to see a professional since they themselves are not aware of what is happening to them therefore they will never go looking help.
This disorder can sometimes be confused with obsessive compulsive disorderHowever, in the latter, the difference is that when the person is asked why he is doing this behavior, he knows how to give a clear and detailed explanation about it.
How to fight or cure Diogenes Syndrome
It is necessary that professionals intervene in this type of treatment such as doctors and psychologistsIn some cases, the help of other specialties may also be required to make the treatment more complete. Above all, the people closest to the patient must be fully involved and be aware of her follow-up.
Psychological treatments for Diogenes Syndrome
The psychologist will be in charge of the person reconstructing his self-image again which will surely will be quite impaired so that he can relate to others safely and feel good about himself same.
You will also work with those obsessive thoughts that incite you to accumulate and reduce your tendency and anxiety to want to do so through restructuring cognitive. Sometimes, the intervention of the psychiatrist is necessary, in case the person needs some drug for their treatment.
On the other hand, the doctor will be in charge of curing any pathology that has previously occurred or a consequence of the lack of hygiene at home and the abandonment of self-care. The person will also have to follow a diet appropriate to their age and their individual situation and will constantly attend the medical consultations that are necessary for their physical recovery. The family has to take care of disinfecting the entire home and helping the elderly person to keep it in optimal conditions to that it is habitable, as well as being constantly in contact with it and attentive in everything moment.
This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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