As the name suggests - the mental faculties of the sufferer do indeed break down, and cease to function. This results in the patient's mental processes being impaired, or even ceasing to function. Simple tasks such as getting dressed, making tea, and so on become a series of complex actions too difficult to achieve. Even simple concentration and conversation become impossible. The patient becomes totally withdrawn, becoming convinced that they are watching the world through a camera, and reality does not exist. Feelings of helplessness and futility compound the condition resulting in deep and sometimes suicidal depression. Care and even interest in loved ones receedes, a patient can even ignore the basic needs of his or her family as the inability to function deepens. The condition is usually the result of the mind's withdrawal from serious mental stress and fatigue. As a means of protection, the mind abandons all but the most basic reflex actions, and shuts down all reaction to external stimulii, the patient may even stop eating and drinking unless supervised. In the most severe cases, hospitalisation and a course of medication and therapy are suitable treatment, and in most cases, the patient does recover all faculties, despite being convinced that recovery and return to normal life are not possible.