Monsters on the couch The real psychological disorders behind your favorite horror movies

In this treat for horror movie fans, Sharpless, a psychologist and self-described "horror nerd," takes us on a fascinating journey through cinema's greatest monsters, past (Dracula, werewolves, zombies) and present (Freddy Krueger, alien abductors) to explain their real-world origins in folklore, mythology, and even modern-day science. While some horror fans may know that zombies have been inspired by Haitian voodoo, a more surprising influence is Cotard's syndrome, a rare disorder whose sufferers believe they are dead, dying, or missing parts of their bodies. The character of Freddy Krueger, who murders his victims in their sleep in Nightmare on Elm Street, may have been inspired by SUNDS (Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death Syndrome), which causes people to die in their sleep. And as for alien abductions, well, there's sleep paralysis, a phenomenon that can lead to sensory hallucinations. Monsters on the Couch is full of sharply observed, and occasionally personal, commentary on horror movies and their tropes, both well-known and obscure. This is a great book, as entertaining as it is informative.

Trading silver bullets and wooden stakes for antipsychotics and psychotherapy, psychologist Sharpless (Psychodynamic Therapy Techniques) analyzes classic movie monsters (and other cinematic menaces) and matches them to real-life psychological conditions and their treatments. Enter in Renfield's syndrome, for example, as well as clinical zoanthropy, delusional misidentification syndromes, and more. The book also explores the folkloric and literary origins of monsters and explains why ancient evils resonate with modern audiences. The result is a fascinating book that reveals Freddy Krueger's connection to Asian folklore, how a sleep disorder can feel like an alien abduction, and why some people think they are the walking dead. Sharpless draws from extensive research, but his science writing is geared toward a general audience. He also lightens some of the heavier sections with self-deprecating anecdotes and humorous asides. The author's knowledge of horror films allows him to ably discuss a wide variety of titles and offer recommendations. VERDICT From its deeper dives into classic horror archetypes to its spotlights on niche neurological disorders, this book will likely appeal to a variety of readers.--Terry Bosky