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=                         solipsism syndrome                         =
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                             Introduction                             
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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.


                               Overview                               
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The philosophical definition of solipsism is the idea that only one's
mind is sure to exist. In a solipsistic position, a person only
believes their mind or self is sure to exist. This is part of
self-existence theory or the view of the self. Solipsism as a belief
is about the self perceiving the world as what the self believes the
world is.

Individuals experiencing solipsism syndrome feel 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 similarities with depersonalization-derealization
disorder, which is recognized. Solipsism syndrome is distinct from
solipsism, which is 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 astronauts and cosmonauts on long-term
missions,






and these concerns influence the design of artificial habitats.


                               See also                               
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* Depersonalization-derealization disorder
* Depersonalization
* Derealization
* Existential crisis
* Solipsism


                            External links                            
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*
[https://web.archive.org/web/20050122223801/http://lifesci3.arc.nasa.gov/SpaceSettlement/75SummerStudy/3appendA.html
NASA's 'Space Settlements: A Design Study' Appendix A]
*
[https://web.archive.org/web/20100216182007/http://solipsismhelp.webs.com/
Is Reality Real? 'Help for Solipsism Syndrome sufferers']


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Original Article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/solipsism_syndrome


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