From the Beta Zeta Medical Database
Kynik’s Syndrome
What is Kynik’s Syndrome?
Kynik’s Syndrome is one of a group of rare genetic neurological disorders in which a person’s empathetic tendancies can work “in reverse” during periods of severe emotional distress, causing others in the vicinity to experience similar emotional states, even across species.
Kynik’s Syndrome can occur in members of any species with telepathic abilities, however most observed cases are in Betazoids.
In the Federation an estimated 1 in 17,000 have some degree of Kynik’s Syndrome.
The genes for Kynik’s Syndrome are passed down from both parents, who may not be directly affected by it themselves. However, there is no simple test to determine whether a person carries a gene for Kynik’s Syndrome.
What are the signs and symptoms of Kynik’s Syndrome?
Babies and Children are most likely to cause an eclectic mix of emotional states with those around due to their undeveloped emotional control at this stage.
As they get older and their natural telepathic abilities develop around puberty mood swings and outbursts can affect large groups of nearby people.
At all ages, the second party will experience a similar emotional state as the person with Kynik’s Syndrome.
How is Kynik’s Syndrome diagnosed?
Usually, Kynik’s Syndrome is picked up in utero. Genetic testing will confirm the diagnosis.
Living with Kynik’s Syndrome
Kynik’s Syndrome has no direct affect on the person with the disorder, instead it affects those in the vicinity, however there are a number of methods which can be used to manage the condition. As the effect is only exhibited during intense emotions, it is referred to as an episodic condition.
In mild cases, maintaining proper emotional control through methods such as Vulcan meditation can limit the impact on others. In moderate to severe cases however, less strong emotions may be enough to trigger an episode and a telepathy blocker may be issued to nullify telepathic abilities for a short period.
In extreme cases, the strength of these emotions may be enough to drive some species beyond their tolerance, resulting in death, however there has been no case this strong since 2358.