title: Auto-vampirism in schizophrenia.
abstract: Vampirism and auto-vampirism have been reported for centuries as very rare features. A relationship between vampirism auto-vampirism and mental disorders has been established, especially with regard to schizophrenia. This case study reports auto-vampirism in a 35-year-old schizophrenic woman. The Present State Examination was used to obtain a valid diagnosis. Auto-vampirism proved to be part of a bizarre delusion of a purification process. This patient reported experiences of depersonalization and auditory commanding hallucinations that made her strive for auto-vampirism. Although rare, auto-vampirism can be detected as a symptom in schizophrenia and can be treated.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatric Department C, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8240 Risskov, Denmark.
authors.forename: Hans Mørch
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Jensen
authors.forename: Henrik Day
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Poulsen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003702:Delusions / Q000523:psychology*; D003861:Depersonalization / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006212:Hallucinations / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D018967:Risperidone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018967:Risperidone