cotard delusion
Pronunciation: ko-TARD
A nihilistic delusion where patients believe they are dead, do not exist, or have lost body parts or organs.
Full Definition
Cotard delusion, also known as 'walking corpse syndrome,' is a rare psychiatric condition characterized by nihilistic beliefs about oneself, ranging from feeling dead or nonexistent to believing that body parts or organs have disappeared or putrefied. This delusion often occurs in severe depression, psychotic disorders, or following brain injury affecting the parietal and frontal regions. Patients may refuse food or medical care based on their belief that they no longer need sustenance or that treatment is futile.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize when referring to the eponymous syndrome. Often associated with severe depression or neurological conditions.
In Context
- "Cotard delusion following stroke led to treatment refusal based on the patient's belief he was deceased." — Psychiatric emergency evaluation
- "The patient's Cotard delusion required careful management to ensure adequate nutrition and medical compliance." — Inpatient treatment plan