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Production of supernatural beliefs during Cotard's syndrome, a rare psychotic depression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 December 2006

David Cohen*
Affiliation:
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, CNRS FRE 2987 Cognition et Comportement, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpétrière, 75013Paris, France
Angèle Consoli*
Affiliation:
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, CNRS FRE 2987 Cognition et Comportement, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpétrière, 75013Paris, France

Abstract:

Cotard's syndrome is a psychotic condition that includes delusion of a supernatural nature. Based on insights from recovered patients who were convinced of being immortal, we can (1) distinguish biographical experiences from cultural and evolutionary backgrounds; (2) show that cultural significance dominates biographical experiences; and (3) support Bering's view of a cognitive system dedicated to forming illusory representations of immortality.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2006

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