Fun Diagnosis - Patient # 2 Sam

First off, I would like to thank Sam for becoming one of Dr. Carm’s newest patients. I have had only the past few weeks to observe and treat Sam. However, after some extensive tests and research, I have finally reached a diagnosis.

Verisimilitude Eremita Syndrome (VES)

VES is a rare condition that randomly displays itself amongst a variety of people. It actually has a variety of symptoms. Below are the main symptoms; and a person would need to have 4 of the 5 to be diagnosed with VES:

Lives in a virtual reality (or believes that they can enter one)

Exhibits hermitlike behavior

Acquires a taste for oranges and/or bananas

Portrays compulsive and anxiety type behaviors (although they may or may not be diagnosed with OCD—obsessive compulsive disorder—or an anxiety disorder)

Sith-like intentions

Note: LEAP is an easy way to remember the main symptoms of VES.

Other symptoms that can be found among cases of VES are: the inability to become cold, having an attention span of a goldfish, random bleeding, sporadic crying, stomach upsets, random laughing, weird mewing sounds, and sushi eating.

Because the symptoms are not closely related, diagnoses are hard to make. The physician must observe and ask questions to determine the direct cause of their illness. Usually the patient is unaware of most of their symptoms, because they believe they are normal. However, they know something is wrong, which is why they seek medical help.

VES is a relatively new syndrome, discovered within the past century. There is still much research being conducted on the causes and treatments. What we do know, is:

VES is not heredity, although there have been cases where immediate family members also have it. However, no gene has been discovered in connection with VES. Therefore, it is believed that VES is caused by certain conditions in one’s environment. One bold scientist has argued that excessive video game playing can cause frontal lobe damage in the brain. The electronic waves transmit signals to the brain’s chemistry which alters its functions. Hence, VES appears. Others have refuted this claim, doubting the authenticity of the research. More research is being conducted at this time.

Regardless of whether it is nature vs. nurture, VES affects at least 1 in 56 people in the world. The number is argued to be higher, but VES does not always require medical attention. Many cases are not reported or discovered.

A cure for VES is currently being studied. Some forms of treatment that could lead to the possibility of a cure or at least reduction in symptoms, include:

Electric shock therapy

Partial brain removal

Medication (Side effects are abundant and not recommended for most people. Some side effects are death, epilepsy, stroke, VES, and various forms of cancer)

People with VES should not feel discouraged. The medical world is rapidly changing and new cures are being discovered daily. If you believe you or a family member might have VES and would like to discuss treatment options, please consult with your primary care physician who can make an official diagnosis. Dr. Carm would be happy to write a reference if needed.



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