Mythos Exposure Disorder

Driven mad by the revelation

Diagnostic Criteria

310.1 (F43.2)

A. Exposure to features of the universe or abilities not currently understood by science, in one or more of the following ways:

1. Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of such features or abilities, including through books, electronic media, television, or pictures. 

2. Manifesting such abilities.

3. Witnessing the manifestation by others of such abilities. 

4. Observing a member of a nonhuman species known to possess such features or abilities.

5. Exposure to a location or object known to possess such features or abilities. 

B. Presence of four or more of the following symptoms:

1. The impulse to venerate or worship members of nonhuman sapient species known to possess abilities not currently understood by science.

2. Hypergraphia.

3. Vivid dreams with disturbing and ominous content, or which are related to features of the universe not currently understood by science. 

4. Homicidal, violent, or terroristic impulses or plans. 

5. Suicidal or self-destructive impulses or plans, without associated depressed mood. 

6. The use of abilities not currently understood by science, in a manner not expected from professional life. 

7. Grandiose understanding of self and influence on the world.

8. A pervasive pattern of disregard for conventional social norms or views of morality. 

C. Duration of the disturbance is more than one month. 

D. The symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in social, vocational, or societal functioning.

E. The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition. 

Diagnostic Features

“The Mythos” is the common term for a loose cluster of abilities, locations, entities, and other features of the universe which are supernatural, paranormal, or not currently understood by human science. Mythos exposure disorder describes a common pattern of dysfunctions caused by encounters with the Mythos (Criterion A). While it is commonly believed that prolonged or severe Mythos exposure is required to induce Mythos exposure disorder, in practice even a brief brush with a Mythos entity may cause Mythos exposure disorder. Individuals who are unaware that they have encountered a Mythos entity (e.g. because they attribute their experiences to drug use or hallucinations) are significantly less likely to contract Mythos exposure disorder. Widespread knowledge of the Mythos has significantly increased rates of Mythos exposure disorder. Ethical guidelines require that mental health professionals avoid correcting clients who are unaware that they have potentially been exposed to the Mythos.

Individuals with Mythos exposure disorder often venerate or worship members of nonhuman sapient species (Criterion B1). The trappings of ordinary religious worship are often present, as appropriate for the individual’s culture (e.g. hymns, ritual vestments, liturgies, holidays). It is common for previously existing religious communities to be redirected to the worship of nonhuman sapients, particularly if the individual is already a religious leader. In some cases, the individual may devise their own religious practices. In others, the individual may research practices used by others, receive instructions from a member of a nonhuman sapient species, or believe they have received such instruction. These ritual practices may include human sacrifice, socially unacceptable sexual practices, cannibalism, or other severe violations of social norms or laws.

Typically, hypergraphia in Mythos exposure disorder involves a compulsion to explain the individual’s worldview, beliefs, goals, plans, or reasons for venerating a deity (Criterion B2). Many individuals with Mythos exposure disorder keep detailed journals. In some cases, the hypergraphia criterion may be met through the individual collecting news stories and other relevant information (for example in a scrapbook or on a corkboard), usually with commentary. In others, the individual may repeatedly write certain, typically ominous “phrases of reference.”

Vivid dreams are common in individuals with Mythos exposure disorder (Criterion B3). These dreams may be a deliberate or accidental transmission by a member of a nonhuman sapient species, a recovery of memories lost due to supernatural intervention, or a re-experiencing of traumatic events as in posttraumatic stress disorder. Criterion B3 is not met if the individual, during sleep, visits the realms associated with archetype and human imagination (“the Dreamlands”). Dreams in the Dreamlands are lucid and typically focused on artistic endeavor, exploration, heroic deeds, or peaceful appreciation of beauty. While they may contain disturbing imagery, this imagery is a relatively small portion of the dream content over time. Dreams in the Dreamlands are continuous across nights and unusually coherent; however, some individuals do not remember their dreams, so this is unreliable as an indicator.

Individuals with Mythos exposure disorder typically lose their ordinary moral objections to violence, homicide, and terrorism (Criterion B4). Some individuals may be trying to advance what they view as the goal of a particular nonhuman sapient species. Others may be seeking personal power, or power for a particular group. In some cases, these goals may be combined. To meet criteria, violent, homicidal, or terroristic impulses must go beyond an occasional thought or fantasy. Violent, homicidal, or terroristic behavior is not required, nor is it required that plans be realistic or plausibly effective.

Suicidality in Mythos exposure disorder is unique among mental disorders (Criterion B5). Typically, the individual does not experience a depressed mood, has no particular desire to die, and will not pursue suicide through conventional, non-supernatural means. Instead, the individual pursues a course of action which they correctly understand is likely to lead to their death (e.g. performing a ritual which summons a nonhuman sapient entity known to consume humans) and, in some cases, an existential risk to society (e.g. bringing about the reign of the Great Old Ones). This criterion also encompasses other forms of Mythos-typical self-destructive behavior, such as self-harm or the removal of body parts as part of a religious ritual.  

Individuals with Mythos exposure disorder often manifest supernatural or paranormal abilities, or abilities not currently understood by science (Criterion B6). This criterion may be met either by the use of conventional supernatural abilities (“magic”) or by scientific advancements far beyond what would be expected by the ordinary scientific process. Advancements which meet criteria can be difficult to identify. In some cases, consultation with a working scientist may be required. In addition to conventional scientific experimentation, individuals with Mythos exposure disorder who pursue the sciences often draw on conventional supernatural abilities, rare books which are hundreds or thousands of years old, or the knowledge of members of nonhuman sapient species. Individuals with lifelong psychic powers meet this criterion if they use the psychic powers to excess (e.g. multiple times a day) or in a manner which violates conventional social norms (e.g. using telepathy to uncover others’ secrets without justification).

Individuals with Mythos exposure disorder often have an inflated and arrogant self-appraisal (Criterion B7). Grandiosity is particularly likely to manifest as the belief that they are superior to all other humans due to their greater knowledge of the “true nature” of the cosmos. 

Individuals with Mythos exposure disorder often disregard conventional morality and social norms (Criterion B8). In some cases, individuals ignore social expectations (e.g. personal hygiene, appropriate topics of conversation) but do not necessarily seek to harm others. In other cases, individuals may follow social and ethical norms in order to blend in with society, but violate them when necessary to advance their goals. Some individuals may believe that their greater knowledge of the Mythos puts them beyond conventional morality and social norms. Other individuals are driven by an overwhelmingly strong motivation (e.g. knowledge) which they believe outweighs all other concerns. Others have no explicit justification, but seem to view social norms as irrelevant.

Associated Features Supporting Diagnosis

Hypergraphia may be accompanied with a similar mania for explaining one’s viewpoints. Auditory hallucinations are common in Mythos exposure disorder. Visual hallucinations are less common but may still be present. Paranoid ideation and behavior may be present. 

Some individuals with Mythos exposure disorder confine their grandiosity and antisocial behavior to the Mythos context. Otherwise, they have a realistic self-assessment and ordinary interest in the sufferings of others. However, many individuals with Mythos exposure disorder may lack empathy and behave in a callous, cruel, or contemptuous manner throughout life.

The individual may experience difficulty maintaining stable interpersonal relationships due to their unusual behavior and beliefs. 

Many individuals with Mythos exposure disorder are curious and passionate about seeking knowledge, even outside of Mythos-related contexts. They may have a particular affinity for knowledge which is forbidden (e.g. classified information, private medical information) or harmful for the individual to learn (e.g. reliable methods of committing suicide). 

Prevalence

In the United States, projected risk of Mythos exposure disorder is less than one percent. Twelve-month prevalence is about 1 in 100,000. Higher estimates are seen in certain Asian, African, and Latin American cultures which have incorporated the Mythos into their traditional religious practices, although traditional religious practices may also provide a safeguard against Mythos exposure disorder. Rates of Mythos exposure disorder are higher among those whose profession increases the risk of Mythos exposure (e.g. anthropologists, classicists, physicists, psychiatrists, espionage agents, police officers in specialty roles). 

Development and Course

Mythos exposure disorder can be diagnosed starting in adolescence. Children do not have the cognitive capacity to understand the Mythos and thus are protected from Mythos exposure disorder. 

Symptoms typically begin immediately after exposure. Frequently, an individual meets criteria for acute stress disorder immediately after the exposure, particularly if the exposure is especially traumatic. Full Mythos exposure disorder typically takes between three months and five years to develop, although the individual will experience subclinical symptoms for much of this time. Repeated exposures to the Mythos when experiencing subclinical symptoms increase the risk of full Mythos exposure disorder. 

Symptoms of Mythos exposure disorder typically intensify in response to new exposures to the Mythos, reminders of previous exposures, life stressors, social isolation, and prolonged interaction with other individuals with Mythos exposure disorder.

Risk and Prognostic Factors

Risk and protective factors are typically divided into pretraumatic, peritraumatic, and posttraumatic factors.

Pretraumatic Factors

Temperamental. These include unusually fixed and rigid views without cognitive flexibility; existing personality disorders, particularly antisocial personality disorder or schizoid personality disorder; a history of oppositional defiant disorder; and to a lesser extent diagnosis with other mental disorders. 

Environmental. These include higher education; higher intelligence; exposure to prior trauma or childhood adversity which is not related to the Mythos; greater knowledge of the Mythos; pre-existing interest in philosophy or the role of humanity in the universe; unknowingly being subjected to experimentation in early life by nonhuman sapient species or humans with supernatural abilities; and family psychiatric history. Social support, integration into society, and an absence of role conflict are protective. 

Genetic and physiological. Nonhuman genetics increases the risk of Mythos exposure disorder. Certain other genotypes may increase risk of Mythos exposure disorder. It is unknown at this time if those genotypes naturally evolved or indicate a small amount of nonhuman ancestry.

Peritraumatic Factors

Environmental. These include severity of Mythos exposure; number of discrete incidents of Mythos exposure; the use of supernatural powers, whether intentionally or unintentionally; absence of control; associated trauma sufficient for a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder; witnessing atrocities; or being a perpetrator or killing others.

Posttraumatic Factors 

Temperamental. These include Mythos-exposure-typical inappropriate coping strategies (e.g. studying rare books); development of acute stress disorder; lack of interest in ordinary life activities; and acceptance of the Mythos as the true nature of the universe.

Environmental. These include subsequent adverse life events; social isolation; disruption of ordinary life routines; loss of normal social roles; and interaction with other individuals exposed to the Mythos. Social support and a return to ordinary life are protective.  

Culture-Related Diagnostic Issues

Mythos exposure may be part of some cultures’ traditional religious practices. It is important to diagnose with sensitivity. Veneration of nonhuman sapient species and the use of supernatural abilities are not in and of themselves sufficient for diagnosis, particularly if they occur in a manner in line with traditional religious practice or cultural beliefs. Because of the increased risk of Mythos exposure disorder in any person exposed to supernatural abilities or nonhuman sapient species, regardless of cultural beliefs, monitor all such individuals for signs of Mythos exposure disorder.

Gender-Related Diagnostic Issues

Mythos exposure disorder is more prevalent in males than in females throughout the lifespan. The increased risk of Mythos exposure disorder in males appears to be caused by males being more likely to be exposed to supernatural or paranormal experiences, both in the course of professional life (e.g. law enforcement) and due to personal interest. Within populations exposed specifically to the Mythos, gender differences are close to nonexistent. 

Suicide Risk

Conventional suicide is uncommon among individuals with Mythos exposure disorder, with some studies suggesting that individuals with Mythos exposure disorder may be less likely to commit conventional suicide than the general population. Individuals should be assessed for Mythos-typical suicide risk (e.g. human sacrifice in a ritual context, attempts to summon a member of a nonhuman species known to predate on humans). 

Functional Consequences of Mythos Exposure Disorder

Many people with Mythos exposure disorder are high-achieving in professional contexts, as shown through several high-profile cases of CEOs, philanthropists, and popular musicians with Mythos exposure disorder. Mythos exposure disorder may increase achievement in certain individuals by improving motivation and drive. Mythos exposure disorder is linked to increased creativity and artistic achievement, particularly in patients with vivid dreams, although the individual’s work may be surrealistic or disturbing. Major scientific and supernatural advances are often made by individuals with Mythos exposure disorder, even those who have withdrawn from society. In some cases, associated social isolation and norm violation may decrease social and occupational functioning.  

Differential Diagnosis

Professional Mythos-related work. Many people may be exposed to the Mythos in the course of professional work (e.g. specialist law enforcement officers, scholars of anthropology or comparative religions, psychiatrists). For some, the manifestation of supernatural or paranormal abilities may be a required condition of employment. Do not diagnose Mythos exposure disorder when supernatural abilities are used but the symptom pattern is otherwise absent. 

Schizophrenia. In schizophrenia, delusions may involve supernatural or paranormal content, and other behavior may be similar to that of a person with Mythos exposure disorder. Differential diagnosis may be difficult, particularly given the inherent difficulties of gaining firm knowledge of the Mythos. Delusions which do not match known facts about the Mythos may be schizophrenia, as are delusions of events which can be proven not to have occurred. Presence of negative symptoms points towards schizophrenia.   

Posttraumatic stress disorder and other posttraumatic disorders. Not all trauma resulting from Mythos exposure should be attributed to Mythos exposure disorder. If the symptom pattern more closely matches posttraumatic stress disorder or another posttraumatic disorder, this diagnosis may be given in addition to or instead of Mythos exposure disorder. If the primary stressor is exposure to threatened or actual death, serious injury, or sexual violence, instead of exposure to the Mythos per se, a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder should be ruled out before a diagnosis of Mythos exposure disorder is given. 

Antisocial Personality Disorder. In antisocial personality disorder, disrespect for the rights of others occurs pervasively throughout life. In Mythos exposure disorder, disrespect for the rights of others begins or increases in intensity after exposure to a Mythos-related stressor. Diagnose both antisocial personality disorder and Mythos exposure disorder when antisocial behavior occurs throughout the individual’s life but increases upon exposure to the Mythos.