Homilopathy

Homilopathy, HOMILOPHOBIA (from Greek homyleo-I speak, pathos-disease and phobia-fear). Homilopathy is an excessive desire for communication with people, observed in various states of psychological excitement. The patient constantly seeks to be in society, regardless of their occupations or whether the company is appropriate for their age and social position. At the same time, they often exhibit persistent tactlessness, easily make new acquaintances, and frankly tell strangers intimate details of their lives. This increased sociability is observed in the manic and hypomanic phases of manic-depressive psychosis, in the initial stages of progressive paralysis, etc. The pathological desire for society due to fear of loneliness is also observed in patients with obsessive fears, such as fear of open spaces, fear of sudden death, etc. Another meaning of the term "homilopathy" is found in Kraepelin (Kraepelin), who uses it to denote that subgroup of psychogenic diseases whose development he associates with the factor "communication between people" (Verkehrspsychosen). He includes induced insanity and persecution mania in the hard of hearing in this category. Such an interpretation of the term "homilopathy" by Kraepelin did not find widespread acceptance. Homilophobia is fear of communication with people, observed in mental diseases associated with depressed mood and delusional ideas of corresponding content, for example, ideas of persecution. The patient avoids communication with people in every way, is silent, inaccessible, and suspicious; contact with such patients is extremely difficult. Such states are observed in the depressive phase of manic-depressive psychosis, in presenile diseases, schizophrenia, etc. Obsessive fears, such as fear of blushing, can also cause fear of communication.