writing + psych - disorders

The newest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5,
comes out in May 2013.  Seven new psychological conditions are being considered
for inclusion: hypersexual disorder, hoarding, premenstrual dysphoric disorder,
binge eating disorder, post-traumatic stress in preschool children, learning disorder,
and cannabis withdrawal.  (Source)

As I've mentioned before, many short stories have been inspired by psychological
disorders.  Any come to mind with these, even indirectly?

Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.
- David Richo

By Clara Sugil

writing and psych - logophobia and synesthesia

I recently read We Others by Steven Millhauser, a collection of his
short stories.  One of them (History of a Disturbance) has to do with
words, a man who comes to think they are unnecessary, even evil, and
that silence is better and truer, offering a new way of life.

This isn't true I'm sure, but it's possible a story like History of a 
Disturbance could be inspired by a psychological condition. 
Logophobia is the word - a fear of words or speaking.

A few weeks ago I read a short story called The Empire of Ice Cream
by Jeffrey Ford.  The whole story is based on a condition called Synesthesia. 

Again and again, psychological phenomena can inspire some wonderful,
fantastical stories.

Illustration found here.

writing + psych - use one to explore the other

Harlan Ellison wrote a short story called The Whimper of Whipped Dogs,
based on the murder of Kitty Genovese. Dozens of people saw the murder,
but none helped, a psychological phenomena called the bystander effect.
Ellison turned the story into a dark fantasy.

On March 9, there's a film coming out called Apart. It's inspired by the
psychological disorder called Folie a Deux, where a delusional belief is
transferred from one person to another.

Reading up on some psychology and sociology could easily inspire some
great stories of our own. Loosely, of course... Maybe. Like  
intermetamorphosis or the symptom of subjective doubles. Oh, the crazy
things that happen to humans.

By Ana Juan