Imagine living a life in which all the people around you are actors, the city where you live is a big stage and everything that happens around you is filmed to the millimeter and controlled by other people. Everything you experience is nothing more than a reality show.
The story seems familiar, right?! That’s the plot of the film.”The Truman Show ”, released in 1998 and starring Jim Carrey . It's also something similar to what we see in reality shows in confinement, like on BBB (Big Brother Brasil).
In fact, the subject gained notoriety after Vanessa Lopes , a former participant in the reality show, generated perplexity when she suggested that her colleagues were actors placed on the program to manipulate her. Some internet users found the sister's theory similar to the fictional plot.
However, for some people, the feeling of being recorded is not mere fantasy . The term “Truman syndrome ” was first used in 2008 by psychiatrist Joel and neurophilosopher Ian Gold.
In one study, the brothers described a series of patients who presented delusions in which they were participants in a reality show who broadcast his daily life for other people's entertainment – just as happened with Carrey's character and as happens in the dynamics of BBB.
What is Truman syndrome?
According to Alexandre Valença, forensic psychiatrist at ABP (Brazilian Psychiatric Association), Truman Syndrome is a clinical condition in which a person thinks they are immersed in a show where they are the protagonist.
“Through a delusion, the person thinks that their life is a reality show and that they are being seen by everyone through cameras”, explains the specialist to CNN . “Those who suffer from delirium have the feeling that there is a director outside their field of vision, as if he were guiding the individual through every scene of their life”, he adds.
Truman Syndrome is not recognized as a syndrome in fact by medical entities. But despite this, may be related to other psychiatric disorders as:
- Generalized anxiety disorder;
- Personality disorder;
- Schizophrenia;
- Bipolar disorder;
- Borderline Disorder.
“The condition can be an initial symptom of schizophrenia, but it can also occur in bipolar disorder, especially in conditions that are accompanied by psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, in addition to being associated with psychotic disorder induced by substance abuse, such as cocaine. and amphetamine”, adds Alexandre.
Diagnosis of the disorder that may be related to signs of Truman Syndrome must be done by a psychiatrist . This is also the professional who will prescribe the best treatment, which may include medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy and occupational therapy.
How does Truman syndrome manifest itself?
Truman Syndrome can manifest itself physically and emotionally. “This can happen subtly or more intensely. Often, the individual may begin to become irritable, tense or even feel physically unwell, with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and insomnia”, says Ivan Ho, psychiatrist at the São Camilo Hospital Network, in São Paulo. , The CNN .
Regarding psychotic symptoms, a person with Truman Syndrome may have ideals of persecution, delusions, auditory and visual hallucinations and have feelings of grandeur.
“She sees and hears something that no one else sees or hears, she may think it is very important and that is why it is being recorded”, says the psychiatrist.
What are the risk factors?
Among the main risk factors for developing Truman Syndrome symptoms is having related psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, genetic predisposition is also a factor associated with psychiatric illnesses.
“We know that disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have important genetic components for their development. Furthermore, having experienced situations of abuse and neglect in childhood can also be risk factors”, explains Alexandre.
In addition, excessive use of social networks can also trigger delirium symptoms similar to those of Truman Syndrome, according to experts.
“Today’s world, with social networks, impacts the mental health of most people, and can, in fact, trigger or worsen mental suffering”, says Ivo Ho.
Source: CNN Brasil
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