Robert Pattinson's "Edward Cullen", Is He Real? Well, Not Exactly!
Article by: Dr Zoe Arugay

Robert Pattinson, the actor who
plays the role of Edward Cullen
Photo: Fame Pictures
 

Have you seen 'Twilight Saga: Eclipse' yet? Well, reviews and other 'bashing' stuffs are already out in the web. So, to celebrate the new installment of the popular movie series, I'm going to discuss Rob's character "Edward Cullen".


Last week, we discovered how it was that real-life wolfmen exist. Now, let's take a look at how someone becomes a vampire - from a blood disorder called porphyria, to a psychologic condition called clinical vampirism.




Porphyria


Porphyria is a group of genetic disorders wherein the the enzymes responsible for catalyzing hemoglobin - the molecule that carries oxygen through our bodies - are not functioning correctly.


Since this is a genetic disorder, this isn't contagious especially when bitten by a popphyria patient. Porphyrias happen when a malfunction arises in any of the 8 steps of heme synthesis. When this occurs, then this will produce a unique disease of the same type.


Symptoms are generally similar to those associated with vampire folklore - sensitivity to sunlight, abdominal pains, vomiting, and purple urine (leading one to believe that this patient has drank blood). In fact, porphyria was named after the Greek word, porphura, which means purple. Other symptoms include increased hair growth, tightened skin and the shrinkage of the gums making the canine teeth look more prominent, and general depression, morose moodiness and een psychosis.


Sounds familiar?


A patient with porphyrias may be given repeated blood transfusions, but there is no cure. Oh, and stay away from sulight!




Clinical Vampirism


Also called Renfield's Syndrome, clinical vampirism is a pychologic condition characterized by a fixation on blood and the delusion of actually being a vampire. It starts off by some childhood exposure to blood which they find "exciting." They will be drinking their own blood. Then, after puberty, this excitement associated with blood is experienced as sexual arousal. This stage is called Autovampirism.


The next stage is called Zoophagia - eating of living creatures and drinking their blood. These blood may also be obtained at slaughter houses. Sexual activity may or may not accompany these.


Finally, vampirism in its true form develops and is characterized by drinkig blood of human beings. This is accomplished by stealing blood from hospitals, laboratories, by attempting to drink blood from others, or wherever/however they may may procure it. This usually involves some consensual sexual activity. Usually. So if it isn't consensual, it could get really ugly...




Conclusion


The truth is really stranger than fiction. Frankly, I'd rather take on Rob Pattinson's Edward anytime - he makes vampirism and passion so enchanting.

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