Numerous illnesses for which doctors can find no cause — or even conclude it’s all in the patient’s head — probably are caused by multiple physical, psychological and social factors interacting in complex ways not yet understood according to a recent conference at Rutgers University. Here is a list of the most bizarre and strangest syndromes…

1. Kleptomania
Kleptomania is the condition of not being able to resist the urge to steal. People with this disorder are compelled to steal things, generally things of little or no value, such as pens, paper clips, tape, small toys, or packets of sugar or sachets of honey. Some may not be aware that they have committed the theft.

2. Gulf War syndrome
Gulf War syndrome is an illness reported by combat veterans of the 1991 Persian Gulf War typified by symptoms including immune system disorders and birth defects. It has not always been clear whether these symptoms were related to Gulf War service or the occurrence of illnesses in Gulf War veterans is higher than comparable populations.

3. Sick building syndrome
Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a combination of ailments (a syndrome) associated with an individual’s place of work (office building) or residence. A 1984 World Health Organization report into the syndrome suggested up to 30% of new and remodelled buildings worldwide may be linked to symptoms of SBS. Most of the sick building syndrome is related to poor indoor air quality.

4. Fibromyalgia syndrome
Fibromyalgia Syndrome is a disorder classified by the presence of chronic widespread pain and a heightened and painful response to gentle touch. It is not contagious, and recent studies suggest that people with fibromyalgia may be genetically predisposed.

5. Chronic fatigue syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is the most common name given to a poorly understood, variably debilitating disorder or disorders of uncertain causation. Symptoms of CFS include widespread muscle & joint pain, cognitive difficulties, chronic, often severe mental and physical exhaustion.

6. Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by mild to severe abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating and alteration of bowel habits. The symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain or discomfort in association with frequent diarrhea and/or constipation, a change in bowel habits.

7. Lyme disease
Lyme disease, or borreliosis, is an emerging infectious disease caused by at least three species of bacteria belonging to the genus Borrelia. Early manifestations of infection may include fever, headache, fatigue, depression, and a characteristic skin rash.

8. Cotard delusion
Cotard’s syndrome, also known as nihilistic or negation delusion, is a rare disorder in which a person holds a delusional belief that he or she is dead, does not exist, is putrefying or has lost his/her blood or internal organs.

9. Stendhal syndrome
Stendhal syndrome is a psychosomatic illness that causes rapid heartbeat, dizziness, confusion and even hallucinations when an individual is exposed to art, usually when the art is particularly ‘beautiful’ or a large amount of art is in a single place.

10. Pica
Pica is a medical disorder characterized by an appetite for largely non-nutritive substances (e.g., coal, soil, feces, chalk, paper, soap, mucus, ash, gum etc.) or an abnormal appetite for some things that may be considered foods, such as food ingredients (e.g., flour, raw potato, starch, ice cubes, salt).

11. Multiple chemical sensitivity
Multiple chemical sensitivity is described as a chronic condition characterized by adverse effects from exposure to low levels of chemicals or other substances in modern human environments. Suspected substances include smoke, pesticides, plastics, synthetic fabrics, scented products, petroleum products, and paints.

12. Capgras syndrome
Capgras syndrome is a rare disorder in which a person holds a delusional belief that an acquaintance, usually a spouse or other close family member, has been replaced by an identical-looking impostor.

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