Presenting Symptoms

As of individual characteristics and other life experiences, presenting symptoms will vary widely and may occur on a continuum. The following are some of the most common physical and psychological symptoms.

As with everything, it is always important to recognize that those problems may have arisen from a different cause as well; as of this, this article is not intended to diagnose but to raise awareness of twin loss as a cause to the following:

Physical effects

In the case of a vanished twin, most medical research denies any medical problems for the mother. According to the Crucible Centre (2007), "…evidence from clients suggests that in some cases (presumably where the fœtus has been absorbed into the mother's system) the mother will develop serious teeth trouble over the next decade or so, and show signs of toxic poisoning that may affect the bones and some body functions, and may cause ulcers."

With regards to the twin survivor, physical problems include a higher risk of heart defects, cystic fibrosis, teratomas, fetus-in-fetu, spina bifida, and cerebral palsy. Further possible problems include hermaphrodism, genital abnormalities, genetic chimeras, extra toes or fingers, and split, mirrored, or extra organs such as three kidneys. (Wright, 1997; Harvey, 2007; Hayton, 2007)

While not medically confirmed, the death of a twin is also reported to be related to teeth trouble, severe PMS, allergies, astigmatism, sensitive skin, eczema, hearing problems, and scoliosis. (Austermann, 2006; The Crucible Centre, 2007; Steinemann, 2006)

Psychological effects

Besides the possible physical repercussions, there are almost always psychological consequences for the survivor. Unlike other dysfunctions that may arise from later traumatizing experiences, VT symptoms are in some ways more subtle, less 'focused', and often seem unrelated. Most importantly, the individual never completely understands why one or more of the following feelings and symptoms should be constantly in his or her life.

Reported psychosomatic problems include:

• chronic body pain in the neck, back, knees, hands and joints; sometimes they may resemble arthritis.
• Heartaches, the feeling of a deep burning wound in the chest,
• breathing problems,
• sudden intense fear of death,
• indigestion problems,
• and hyperactivity as well as low energy have also been cited. (Austermann, 2006; De Hauteclocque, 2006; Steinemann, 2006)

Psychological indicators of this early trauma often resemble the symptoms bereaving twins go through (who consciously lost their twin later in life).

VT symptoms are frequently characterized by:

• an ineffable but profound sense of loss without knowing what one has lost
• a deep loneliness (even when one is with friends or in a relationship)
• some form of separation anxiety
• conscious or unconscious survivor guilt.

As of the early experience of closeness, these individuals are often highly empathic with sometimes overly loose or overly strong personal boundaries. Some merge easily and through this are trying to establish the old symbiosis in any kind of relationship. This can be very hard to understand for singletons who, in many cases, value their individuality. (Hayton, 2007; Steinemann, 2006; Austermann, 2006)

Wombtwin survivors can be extremely sensitive to the needs of others (which can result in co-dependency) and they may cling. In its extremes this may lead to intense jealousy and/or separation anxiety. Typical for the later is the experience of a 'death blow'; the individual is feeling as though she is dying (it was the twin that died) combined with a deep hopelessness. This symptom may show itself already very early in an infant's life.

Another idiosyncrasy those individuals have problems with is the dilemma of double-messages: on one hand they would like to get close, but then panic arises which prevents real closeness in relationships. This can lead to long distance relationships or the need to end relationships prematurely. (ibid.)

Other themes include:

• feelings of restlessness and unsettledness (the system is in a hypervigilant state),
• chronic depression without 'cause',
• low self-esteem with no obvious belief-system attached,
• and searching for something but not knowing what it is.
• Some experience persistent thoughts (or dreams) of death, slow dying (twins feel the suffering of the other), or attempt suicide without obvious cause.

If other trauma has been ruled out, various forms of self harm including addictions and eating disorders can also be indicative of VT. This attraction to death and self-harm can be an unconscious way to follow the twin, self-punishment or a repetition of the original event, i.e. 'I can't eat, otherwise my twin will die'.

While some individuals are afraid of death, others appear to have an 'inborn' knowledge of death or that someone is caring for them. Children may also present with imaginary friends. (ibid.)

In its extreme, a VT survivor may resemble the DSM-IV 'Borderline Disorder', the difference being that the disorder did not arise from childhood attachment problems, abandonment, and trauma, but from the womb. No research exists to this date on a possible relation between those two nor is the Vanishing Twin Syndrome (with all of its psychological effects) recognized in most of the psychological community.