Vagrancy syndrome

What is meant by such a term as vagrancy syndrome? This is a kind of mental disorder that manifests itself as an irresistible urge to run away from home. In the vast majority of such cases, a person is not concerned with planning his or her movement or whereabouts, and is also not aware of how such a “free” journey may end. In other words, vagrancy syndrome is a psychiatric pathology, the main symptom of which is a sudden, unjustified departure from family and friends “to nowhere.”

Causes vagrancy syndrome

Most often, the first signs of Wandering Syndrome appear in childhood. The reasons can be very different. Basically, it is the child's excessive sensitivity, "explosive" character, or hereditary or acquired mental illnesses.

The first time a child leaves home often occurs due to misunderstandings on the part of adults, conflicts, stress, unrealized opportunities, as well as any factors that to one degree or another oppress the little person.

It is also impossible to exclude the possibility of the development of pathology as a result of head injuries, or as an initial sign of serious mental illnesses: schizophrenia, hysteria, etc.

However, there are also frequent cases of the so-called “false” vagrancy syndrome, when a person runs away from home in search of new emotions, due to everyday routine or boredom.

People who tend to indulge in fantasies, “fall into childhood,” or shirk daily household chores are prone to developing the syndrome.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Symptoms vagrancy syndrome

A person's love for traveling does not always mean vagrancy syndrome. The disease must be discussed if the following symptoms are present:

• a person leaves home suddenly, without any preparation, without the knowledge of loved ones, sometimes at night;
• a patient who suffers from vagrancy syndrome has an extremely minimal sense of responsibility: he does not warn anyone about anything, can easily leave loved ones and even small children, quit his job, etc.;
• the person suffering from the syndrome acts unplanned: he can leave without worrying about his livelihood, in his home clothes, without thinking about tomorrow;
• once on the street, the patient easily resorts to begging, vagrancy, and even theft;
• the patient himself explains his departure by an incomprehensible feeling of anxiety and internal restlessness, which forces him to abruptly change the environment;
• Diagnostic studies reveal increased brain activity in the patient's temporal regions, which is a characteristic sign of changes in brain function.

Adult wandering syndrome

The emergence of vagrancy syndrome in adults does not always have its origins in childhood. In an adult, a sudden desire to leave may arise in the following situations:

• as a result of stress;
• as a result of emotional “pressure” from household members;
• after nervous exhaustion or chronic fatigue.

The reason for leaving is usually:

• misunderstanding of loved ones, tense situation in the family;
• unreasonably high demands;
• excessive mental and physical stress associated with work;
• excessive sensitivity;
• daydreaming, unfulfilled dreams of youth.

If you do not intervene in the process in time and do not help the sick person, then in the future he will leave the house at any trouble or even an imaginary problem.

Wandering syndrome in children

Experts have identified a number of psychological factors that have a direct impact on a child's regular trips away from home. The most common age range for such "absences" is 7-15 years, and the gender is predominantly boys.

What causes the onset of wandering syndrome in a child?

• The desire to learn something new, fatigue from the routine, loss of interest in the old environment.
• Search for adventure (usually this reason is inspired by watching movies).
• Abuse by elders, ignoring children's interests, etc.

The child may leave for a short time (for example, for half a day), or for several days. Sometimes the child "outgrows" this problem with age, and his behavior normalizes. But often the desire for a change of scenery remains forever: having grown up, the "traveler" often goes on wanderings and hikes, chooses an occupation associated with frequent and long business trips.

The syndrome of vagrancy in adolescents already has more justified reasons for vagrancy:

• insufficient parental control;
• search for additional entertainment and sources of pleasure;
• "sign of protest" in response to parents' demands;
• fear of punishment for something.

According to the conducted research, there is no authority for teenagers prone to vagrancy – neither in the person of relatives nor teachers. Sometimes this can be a consequence of the so-called “difficult character”, sometimes these are gaps in upbringing, but often such behavior is associated with mental illnesses occurring against the background of mild mental retardation. The syndrome can be characterized by autism, limitation, isolation, productive disorders (unreasonable fear, suspiciousness, distorted perception, unstable mood).

Complications and consequences

After the age of 14-15, the signs of vagrancy syndrome may gradually disappear: the prognosis for child recovery is positive in more than 80% of cases. In the opposite situation, as the wanderings are repeated or even become more frequent, signs of antisocial behavior sometimes appear. This is due to the need to eat, support oneself, and is begging, petty theft, etc. Over time, such violations may acquire a more serious character: here the influence of an antisocial environment is already felt. Hooligan behavior, sexual harassment, frequent use of alcohol or drugs, etc. are not uncommon.

The more often a person succumbs to the effects of the syndrome and leaves home, the more likely it is that he will develop negative personality traits, such as lying, primitivism, a tendency towards disorder and an idle lifestyle.

It should not be forgotten that vagrancy syndrome can be the beginning of a neuropsychiatric disorder, so often the complications of such a condition are persistent mental deviations. That is why constant leaving should be a reason for consulting a psychiatrist.

[ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ]

Diagnostics vagrancy syndrome

The initial stage of diagnostics is a conversation with a psychiatrist, who determines the main signs of the disease and the cause of the pathology. The work of a psychiatrist is directly related to the correct perception of the patient's condition, because it is very important to determine the line between a real disease and a normal craving for adventure and travel. After determining the symptoms, the doctor generalizes them into a syndrome, establishing interdependence. If necessary, instrumental studies are connected: in this case, increased brain activity is detected in the temporal lobes.

Based on the manipulations performed, the doctor develops a plan and tactics for further treatment.

[ 8 ], [ 9 ], [ 10 ], [ 11 ]

Differential diagnosis

The following are considered diagnostic differential criteria:

• information collected by interviewing the patient and his environment;
• the patient's age and the time of the first manifestations of the pathology;
• rate of progression of symptoms (dynamics);
• presence of light intervals;
• research data (laboratory and somatoneurological);
• the patient's own opinion about his illness.

[ 12 ], [ 13 ]

Treatment vagrancy syndrome

In most patients, especially children and adolescents, the symptoms of the syndrome subside on their own as the psyche strengthens. The main task of parents is not to panic, because inept and hasty actions can significantly worsen the situation. The child grows up, he gains independent life experience, and previous unfounded aspirations are gradually minimized. Of course, this does not mean that you can calmly wait until the baby grows up and ignore his leaving home. Consultation with a competent specialist in psychology and psychotherapy is the best solution.

If the pathology of vagrancy syndrome is proven diagnostically, the doctor will prescribe psychotherapy, the focus of which depends on the true causes of the disease. The main stages of treatment can be called:

• elimination of the provoking cause;
• increasing self-esteem and awareness;
• stimulation of the patient's sense of social responsibility.

Medicines or physical therapy are prescribed by a doctor based on individual indications.

Prevention

According to statistics, children suffering from vagrancy syndrome most often have problems of a social or domestic nature. Thus, in families of such children there may be the following features:

• parents are divorced or parents are absent;
• frequent scandals and quarrels;
• lack of welfare, poverty;
• alcoholism of family members, antisocial behavior.

Of course, the family is primarily responsible for the upbringing of the child. Parents should be a teacher, an educator, and a friend for the child.

If a child feels love, understanding and care from his elders, he will never try to leave home.

School also plays an important role in the social education of a person. It is in school that the system of relationships and social adaptation of the individual are established. Therefore, it is extremely important that educational institutions create all the conditions for the normal development of the student, and that his rights are respected.

Often, vagrancy syndrome is a consequence of loneliness, misunderstanding, or a person’s desire to express themselves in this way. Therefore, ordinary human attention and participation can often be enough to prevent the development of pathology.

[ 14 ], [ 15 ], [ 16 ]