Aboulomania

For lack of will, see Aboulia.

Aboulomania (from Greek a– 'without' and boulē 'will')[1] is a mental disorder in which the patient displays pathological indecisiveness.[2][3] The term was created in 1883 by the neurologist William Alexander Hammond, who defined it as: ‘a form of insanity characterised by an inertness, torpor, or paralysis of the will’.[4][5] It is typically associated with anxiety, stress, depression, and mental anguish, severely affecting one's ability to function socially. In extreme cases, difficulties arising from the disorder can lead to suicide.[6] Although many people are indecisive at times, it is rarely to the extent of obsession.[7]

The part of the brain that is tied to making rational choices, the prefrontal cortex, can hold several pieces of information at any given time.[7] This may quickly overwhelm somebody when trying to make decisions, regardless of the importance of that decision. They may come up with reasons that their decisions will turn out badly, causing them to over-analyze every situation critically in a classic case of paralysis by analysis. Lack of information, valuation difficulty, and outcome uncertainty can become an obsession for those with aboulomania.[8]

Although it is a recognised and diagnosable[9] mental disorder, aboulomania is not recognised by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders (DSM-5).[10]

  1. ^ "aboulia". The New Oxford American Dictionary (2nd ed.).
  2. ^ Chrisomalis S (2007). "Manias and Obsessions". The Phronistery.
  3. ^ Rawat PS (2002). Midline Medical History. Jane Publishers. p. 11. ISBN 978-8-131-90353-7.
  4. ^ Summerscale K (2022). The Book of Phobias and Manias: A History of the World in 99 Obsessions. London: Profile Books Ltd. ISBN 978-1-78283-565-3.
  5. ^ "The Book of Phobias and Manias". Penguin Random House Higher Education. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  6. ^ "Aboulomania: Definition, Description, Causes and Risk Factors". Medigoo Inc. Archived from the original on 21 March 2016.
  7. ^ a b Byrne J (2010). "How to Overcome Indecision". Livestrong.
  8. ^ Rassin E (2007). "A psychological theory of indecisiveness". Netherlands Journal of Psychology. 63 (1): 1–11. doi:10.1007/BF03061056. S2CID 144834627.
  9. ^ "Why Am I So Indecisive? 10 Methods to Help You Make Decisions". Psych Central. 2022-05-20. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  10. ^ Timms J (2022-03-07). "15 reasons why you are such an indecisive person". Jenny's Life Logic. Retrieved 2023-03-27.