Solipsism is not considered a mental disorder in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a philosophical concept that proposes the idea that only one's mind is certain to exist, and the external world and other minds may be uncertain or even illusory. In other words, a solipsist believes that they are the only real or conscious being, and everything else might be a construct of their mind.
As a philosophical concept, solipsism is more about epistemology (the study of knowledge) and metaphysics (the study of reality) rather than a psychological condition. It is important to distinguish between philosophical ideas and mental disorders. While solipsism can be an interesting thought experiment, it is not a psychiatric diagnosis.
However, if a person's belief in solipsism becomes an obsessive or intrusive thought pattern that significantly disrupts their daily life or well-being, it could potentially be linked to mental health concerns. For example, if someone's solipsistic beliefs lead to severe social isolation, paranoia, or an inability to function in reality, it could be indicative of an underlying mental health issue such as delusional thinking or a dissociative disorder.
In such cases, it is essential for individuals experiencing distress or impairment due to their beliefs to seek professional help from mental health professionals. They can provide an assessment, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, which may include therapy, counseling, or medication if necessary.
It's important to remember that having philosophical or abstract thoughts, including solipsistic ideas, is not inherently problematic. Many people engage in deep philosophical contemplation without it affecting their mental health negatively. However, when beliefs or thought patterns become distressing, impair daily functioning, or cause significant distress, professional assistance is available to provide support and guidance.