Every Ghost Month, many Filipinos follow traditions meant to avoid bad luck—like postponing weddings, delaying big purchases, or steering clear of major decisions. But while most of us worry about unseen spirits, some people face “ghostly” conditions that are not supernatural, but very real and medically recognized.
Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), one of the country’s top hospitals, takes the opportunity this Ghost Month (August 23 to September 21, 2025) to raise awareness about these strange yet fascinating disorders. Dr. Jon Edward B. Jurilla, MD, breaks down four “ghost-inspired” medical conditions that affect people in surprising ways.
Phasmophobia: When Fear of Ghosts Becomes Overwhelming
While fear of ghosts is common in folklore and movies, phasmophobia turns it into an extreme and irrational fear. Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, anxiety, and even trouble sleeping.
Dr. Jurilla notes that some people avoid darkness or sleeping alone because of this phobia. The good news is, behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and relaxation techniques are effective in helping patients manage their fear. Fun fact: pop star Lady Gaga was once reported to have this condition and even bought a $50,000 ghost detector!
Ghost Sickness: Grief Misunderstood
In Polynesian and Native American traditions, ghost sickness is believed to happen when the spirit of the recently departed attaches to the living. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, nightmares, nausea, hallucinations, and loss of appetite.
Dr. Jurilla clarifies that while medication can ease the symptoms, these are often linked to grief and sadness rather than an actual spirit. This highlights the importance of compassion and mental health support when dealing with loss.
Capgras Delusion: When Loved Ones Seem Like Impostors
Imagine believing your spouse or parent has been replaced by a stranger—that’s the unsettling reality for people with Capgras delusion. This condition can trigger agitation and aggression, as the patient refuses to accept their loved one’s true identity.
It is often caused by brain injuries, psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. Doctors usually prescribe anti-psychotic medication and other treatments depending on the root cause.
Hypochondriasis: The Fear of Illness
Locally known as being a “health worrier,” hypochondriasis (or Illness Anxiety Disorder) is the persistent belief that one has a serious, undiagnosed disease. People with this condition constantly check their vitals, undergo unnecessary tests, and Google every symptom.
“This is more of a mental health issue than a physical one,” explains Dr. Jurilla. Treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and sometimes antidepressants to help patients manage their anxiety.
Understanding the “Ghosts” That Haunt Us
While Ghost Month superstitions often focus on appeasing spirits, MakatiMed reminds us that real-life “ghostly” conditions exist—and they require empathy, medical attention, and support from family and community.
“These disorders may be rare, but they bring very real challenges,” Dr. Jurilla emphasizes. “The best thing we can do is offer understanding and evidence-based treatment so patients can live healthier, stigma-free lives.”
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of these conditions, seeking professional help is the first step toward healing.