Understanding Xenomania: A Psychological Disorder of Obsession with Foreign Things

Xenomania is a psychological disorder in which an individual becomes obsessed with foreign or exotic things, often to the point of neglecting their own culture and relationships. This can manifest in various ways, such as an obsession with foreign foods, clothes, music, or languages.

The term "xenomania" was coined by French psychiatrist Jean-Pierre Faye in 1984, and it is derived from the Greek words "xenos," meaning "stranger," and "mania," meaning "obsession." Xenomania is also sometimes referred to as "foreign object fetishism" or "exoticism."

People with xenomania may engage in behaviors such as collecting foreign objects, dressing in foreign clothing, listening to foreign music, or adopting foreign customs and traditions. They may also feel a strong desire to assimilate into the culture they are obsessed with, and may reject their own cultural heritage in favor of the foreign culture.

Xenomania can be seen as a form of cultural appropriation, where an individual adopts aspects of another culture without understanding or respecting its historical and social context. It can also be a sign of deeper psychological issues, such as feelings of inadequacy or a need for control.

Treatment for xenomania typically involves therapy to address any underlying psychological issues, as well as education about the culture the individual is obsessed with and the potential negative consequences of cultural appropriation.