pseudonymointia

Pseudonymointia is a neologism used in theoretical discussions to describe a proposed neurocognitive and communicative phenomenon characterized by a persistent preoccupation with pseudonyms and a fluid boundary between real identities and fictional or alternate identities. The term combines pseudo- (false) and onoma (name), with the -ia suffix indicating a condition or state.

Symptoms and presentation: People described as having pseudonymointia may repeatedly introduce themselves or others under different pseudonyms, alternate between multiple self-identities in conversation, or display confusion about which name refers to which person. They may report distress when forced to use a single, consistent name and may experience intermittent identity narrative shifts that affect social interactions. The severity ranges from mild variability to pronounced identity switching that disrupts communication.

Causes and risk factors: The etiology is speculative in current literature. Proposed factors include anomalies in language processing, memory integration, executive control of self-representation, and social cognition; it may co-occur with dissociative, anxiety, or identity-related disorders.

Diagnosis: There is no formal diagnostic category for pseudonymointia in major manuals. Clinical assessment relies on structured interviews, cognitive and linguistic tasks, and differential diagnosis with dissociative symptoms, identity disturbances, or pseudologia fantastica.

Treatment and prognosis: No standardized treatment exists. When present, interventions focus on coherence of self-narrative, stabilizing social communication, and addressing comorbid conditions through psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, plus supportive measures. Prognosis is uncertain and likely depends on underlying contributing factors and therapy response.

History: The term emerged in theoretical discourse as a way to explore how naming and identity are constructed in language and social interaction; it remains a topic of speculative inquiry rather than an established medical diagnosis.