PARAMNESIA Meaning and
Definition
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Paramnesia is a psychological phenomenon characterized by distortions or errors in memory formation, retrieval, or perception. It refers to the experience of inaccurately remembering events, facts, or details that never occurred or were different from what actually took place. In other words, paramnesia is a type of memory illusion that creates a false sense of recollection.
This cognitive disorder can manifest in different ways, such as confabulations, déjà vu, or jamais vu. Confabulations involve the fabrication of events or facts, often unconsciously, to fill gaps in memory or create a coherent narrative. Déjà vu occurs when an individual experiences a strong feeling of familiarity or having already lived a particular situation, despite there being no prior recollection of it. On the other hand, jamais vu is characterized by an unfamiliarity or strangeness towards something or someone that should be recognized.
Paramnesia may arise due to various factors, including neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease or Korsakoff's syndrome, as well as psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Additionally, certain drugs or medications, as well as episodes of high stress or trauma, can trigger paramnesia.
While paramnesia can be distressing for individuals who experience it, it is important to note that it is not necessarily indicative of a serious cognitive impairment. It often occurs spontaneously and is more commonly present in temporary or transient forms. Understanding and addressing the underlying causes of paramnesia, such as treating associated conditions or adjusting medications, can help manage and alleviate the symptoms.
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A disorder of memory in which real facts and imaginings are inextricably confused.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PARAMNESIA
- oaramnesia
- laramnesia
- -aramnesia
- 0aramnesia
- pzramnesia
- psramnesia
- pwramnesia
- pqramnesia
- paeamnesia
- padamnesia
- pafamnesia
- patamnesia
- pa5amnesia
- pa4amnesia
- parzmnesia
- parsmnesia
- parwmnesia
- parqmnesia
- parannesia
Etymology of PARAMNESIA
The word "paramnesia" is derived from two Greek roots: "para" meaning "beside" or "beyond", and "mnesis" meaning "memory". Paramnesia is a term used in psychology to refer to a distortion of memory where one confuses or misremembers events, facts, or experiences.
Similar spelling words for PARAMNESIA
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