The incubus syndrome is a rare form of delusion in which individuals harbor a strong belief that they have been sexually approached or violated by an unseen or imaginary lover. This condition is categorized as a type of secondary erotomania.
In secondary erotomania, the person experiences a delusion of being raped by an imaginary lover. The patient firmly believes in the reality of these non-consensual encounters, despite evidence that contradicts such experiences.
Key Aspects of Incubus Syndrome
To provide a clearer understanding, here are the defining characteristics of this rare delusional disorder:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature of the Condition | It is classified as a rare psychological delusion, meaning it is a fixed, false belief held with conviction despite contradictory evidence. |
| Core Delusion | The central belief involves being sexually approached or physically violated by an unseen or imaginary entity. This often manifests as perceived nocturnal encounters. |
| Classification | It falls under the umbrella of secondary erotomania. This is distinct from primary erotomania, where the delusion is typically that another person (often of higher status) is in love with the patient. In secondary erotomania, the focus shifts to perceived sexual assault by a non-existent assailant. |
| Patient's Belief | Individuals experiencing incubus syndrome are convinced of the reality of these encounters, which can lead to significant distress and impairment in their daily lives. |
This syndrome underscores the intricate ways in which the mind can create elaborate and distressing realities for those affected, highlighting the importance of understanding complex delusional states.
