Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: "Succubus syndrome," is believed to be a cultural phenomenon steeped in mythology, is a rarely encountered psychiatric condition. This case report examines a 31-year-old male with schizophrenia presenting succubus syndrome, where the patient experiences nightly sexual encounters by the demon imposed by an external force, attributed to black magic or witchcraft. Despite its cultural origins, succubus syndrome as a psychotic phenomenon in association with schizophrenia, on the background of other psychotic symptoms, remains underexplored in psychiatric literature. Treatment with antipsychotic medication in this case led to partial improvement, highlighting the syndrome's potential psychotic nature. Succubus and its counterpart, incubus syndrome, are often linked to sleep-related disorders and childhood trauma, necessitating comprehensive assessment and management. This case underscores the importance of thorough evaluation in understanding and treating succubus syndrome as a possible psychotic phenomenon on the background of schizophrenia. Further research is warranted to elucidate its etiology and optimize treatment strategies.
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4405596672