Necromania

Necromania is a term derived from the Greek words "nekros" (dead) and "mania" (madness). It is often used to describe an abnormal fascination with death and the dead, particularly in a sexual or erotic context. This term is not widely used in modern psychology or psychiatry, but it has a long history in literature and popular culture.

History

The concept of necromania has been present in human culture for centuries. It can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, who had elaborate rituals for the dead, and the Greeks, who had myths involving love for the dead. In more recent times, the term has been used in the context of Gothic literature, where it often represents a metaphorical fascination with death rather than a literal sexual attraction.

Psychology

In the field of psychology, necromania is considered a form of paraphilia, a group of disorders characterized by abnormal sexual desires. However, it is important to note that necromania is not recognized as a specific disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the main diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals.

In Popular Culture

Necromania has been a recurring theme in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. It is often used to explore themes of death, decay, and the taboo. Some notable examples include the works of Edgar Allan Poe, who often wrote about characters with a morbid fascination with the dead, and the film "Necromania" by Edward D. Wood Jr., which is considered a cult classic.

See Also

• Necrophilia
• Death and culture
• Gothic literature
• Paraphilia