Quatschkopf Syndrome
Quatschkopf Syndrome (QS), also known as Quatschkopf's Syndrome or Quatschkopf Disorder (QD), is a behavioral disorder that is characterized by excessively self-centered and immature behavior, even in adults. It includes lack of consideration for other people, recurrent temper tantrums (overt or internalized), an inability to handle the delay of gratification, demands for having one's own way, obstructiveness (usually passive-aggressive), and manipulation. Solipsism is also present in the majority of diagnosed cases, wherein an individual believes that everyone else shares his or her opinions and perceptions as a matter of "Common Sense". This is similar to lacking a "Theory of Mind".
The syndrome is named after the German-American family counselor Herrman Quatschkopf who, from 1982 to the present, studied and described adults and children in his practice who had the capacity for learning, but who seemed to willfully refuse to: exercise basic learning skills; demonstrate limited patience with others; have recurrent temper tantrums or "meltdowns"; and who are emotionally demanding and manipulative. Extreme cases of Quatschkopf Syndrome in children usually involve frequent temper tantrums, physical aggression, defiance of authority, destructive behavior, and refusal to comply with even the simplest of requests for cooperation.
Adults with Quatschkopf Syndrome may experience problems with anger management, professionalism, and personal relationships. They find it difficult to follow through with plans, adjust to new information, and negotiate flexible boundaries. They are generally inflexible in their beliefs, holding on to ideas and opinions that have been shown to be inaccurate, completely false, or generally inappropriate for social discourse. They also seem to have an overly developed sense of entitlement, expecting others to cater to their needs and expressing arrogance and contempt toward those who fail to do so. Yet, even when their expressed needs are met, adults with QS will often resort to criticism, and complain about some insignificant detail in the outcome.
Many questions remain about aspects of the disorder. There is doubt about whether it is distinct from "Spoiled Brat Syndrome"; partly because of this, its prevalence is not firmly established, and it has not appeared in the DSM.
The exact cause is unknown. Although research suggests a minute likelihood of a genetic basis, there is no known genetic etiology and brain imaging techniques have not identified a clear common pathology.
11 Apr 2013, 1:24 pm
