Capgras

Capgras delusion is a psychiatric disorder in which a person holds a delusion that a friend, spouse, parent, or other close family member (or pet) has been replaced by an identical impostor. The Capgras delusion is classified as a delusional misidentification syndrome, a class of delusional beliefs that involves the misidentification of people, places, or objects. It can occur in acute, transient, or chronic forms. Cases in which patients hold the belief that time has been "warped" or "substituted" have also been reported.

Causes

The Capgras delusion is most commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease, but has also been seen in patients with other types of dementia and mental disorders, such as schizophrenia. It can also occur as a result of a brain injury, or as a symptom of other neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Capgras delusion is based on the patient's history and clinical presentation. The delusion is often revealed when the patient expresses the belief that a familiar person has been replaced by an impostor. This belief is held with strong conviction, despite evidence to the contrary.

Treatment

Treatment for Capgras delusion often involves a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Antipsychotic medications can be used to manage the delusion, while cognitive behavioral therapy can help the patient to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

See also

• Cotard delusion
• Fregoli delusion
• Reduplicative paramnesia

References

Capgras Resources
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