Solipsism Syndrome

Well, that's an interesting syndrome, you might think. If only I knew that 'Solipsism' meant. Soplipsism is a word that is coined from Latin, where sōlus means 'alone' (think 'solitaire') and ipse means 'himself' or 'herself'. Taken together, it means something like 'alone with himself (or herself)'.

Solipsism Syndrome refers to a psychological state in which a person feels that reality is not external to their mind. Periods of extended isolation may predispose people to this condition. In particular, the syndrome has been identified as a potential concern for individuals living in outer space for extended periods of time.

Individuals experiencing Solipsism Syndrome feel that reality is not 'real' in the sense of being external to their own minds. The syndrome is characterized by feelings of loneliness, detachment and indifference to the outside world.

Solipsism Syndrome is not currently recognized as a psychiatric disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, though it shares some similarities with Depersonalization Disorder, which ís recognized and therefore ís included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) uit 2022.

Solipsism Syndrome is distinct from solipsism, which is merely a philosophical position that nothing exists or can be known to exist outside of one's own mind rather than a psychological state. Advocates of this philosophy do not necessarily suffer from solipsism syndrome, and sufferers do not necessarily subscribe to solipsism as a school of intellectual thought.

Periods of extended isolation may predispose people to solipsism syndrome. In particular, the syndrome has been identified as a potential challenge for American astronauts, Russian cosmonauts and Chinese taikonauts on long-term missions. Also, prisoners and psychiatric patient who can endure long periods of solitary confinement may be in danger of suffering from the solipsism syndrome.