>“The delusion consisted of the patient’s absolute conviction she was already dead and waiting to be buried, that she had no teeth or hair, and that her uterus was malformed.”
How did the researchers know this? Did the patient somehow believe she was dead but that she was still able to speak with the living?
I think there's a really tasteless joke to be made here about looking the study up on JSTOR. Anyways:
Abstract from scientists who published that study:
> Cotard's syndrome is a psychotic condition that includes delusion of a supernatural nature. Based on insights from recovered patients who were convinced of being immortal, we can (1) distinguish biographical experiences from cultural and evolutionary backgrounds; (2) show that cultural significance dominates biographical experiences; and (3) support Bering's view of a cognitive system dedicated to forming illusory representations of immortality.
How did the researchers know this? Did the patient somehow believe she was dead but that she was still able to speak with the living?