The disorder aptly described by Dr. Rogers relates to a similar
affliction - Rarity Hyperawareness Syndrome (RHS) also known as "Birding
by Hotline." RHS seems to afflict men more than women (reference Tweeter
Digest Jan 1995) and in many cases signals the onset of an
obsessive-compulsive disorder. Symptoms include:
-an amazing recall for telephone numbers of area hotlines
-the ability to listen to taped messages, write down DeLorme
coordinates, and converse with family members simultaneously
-the sudden loss of navigational skills during family outings,
thereby ending up at or near areas where rarities have been seen
-fibbing seizures in which the afflicted develop convluted stories
in order to drive 5 hours or more to see a reported species
-inability to control impulses to call local hotlines for updates,
known in the literature as "Itchy Twitcher Finger"

I have been afflicted with this syndrome for several years. In addition
to the treatments described by Russell, I urge anyone who exhibits these
symptoms to attend a meeting of Twitchers Anonymous - they have a twelve
moult program that can be effective.

David Buckley----------------------------------------------------------------
lsdb at u.washington.edu
West Seattle, USA