Environmental dependency syndrome

Environmental dependency syndrome, also called Zelig syndrome or Zelig-like syndrome from the name of the protagonist of Woody Allen's Zelig, is a syndrome where the affected individual relies on environmental cues in order to accomplish goals or tasks. It is a disorder in personal autonomy that is influenced by individual psychological traits and can be helped through the intervention of other people. For example, adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have relied on special coaches to provide cues at appropriate times, helping them to make decisions about how to prioritize and order tasks.

Further reading

• Lhermitte, François (April 1986). "Human autonomy and the frontal lobes. Part II: Patient behavior in complex and social situations: The "environmental dependency syndrome"". Annals of Neurology. John Wiley & Sons. 19 (4): 335–343. doi:10.1002/ana.410190405. OCLC 115674543. PMID 3707085. S2CID 46441945.
• Conchiglia, Giovannina; Della Rocca, Gennaro; Grossi, Dario (February 2007). "On a peculiar environmental dependency syndrome in a case with frontal-temporal damage: Zelig-like syndrome". Neurocase. Psychology Press. 13 (1): 1–5. doi:10.1080/13554790601160558. OCLC 6894822464. PMID 17454683. S2CID 38921674.