Psychological fragmentation in a lower toposophic (usually but not always a modosophont) following the partial incarnation of a higher toposophic (at least SI:1 , often SI:2 or higher) intelligence. Results from the lower-grade sentient being unable to accommodate the incarnating power. Typical symptoms include paranoid delusions, megalomania, and ego-identification with the higher power.
 If a lower-grade sentient has developed a complete psychological dependence upon the power, not just superficially but for their complete moment to moment psychological functioning, the fragmentation resulting from the withdrawal of such an intelligence. Typical symptoms include complete dissolution of the personality, mental dissociation, inability to perform even the simplest tasks.
 Occasionally a higher singularity entity will deliberately destroy the mind and personality of a sophont; either has a simple experiment or in order to implant a new personality.
Text by M. Alan Kazlev, from the concept by Vernor Vinge
Initially published on 31 October 2001.