Capgras' syndrome

Capgras' Syndrome

Capgras' syndrome, also known as Capgras delusion, is a psychological condition characterized by the belief that a close acquaintance, usually a family member or spouse, has been replaced by an identical-looking impostor. This delusion is classified as a delusional misidentification syndrome, which involves a distortion of the perception of identity.

History

Capgras' syndrome was first described in 1923 by French psychiatrist Joseph Capgras and his intern Jean Reboul-Lachaux. They published a case study of a woman who believed that her husband and other people she knew had been replaced by doubles.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of Capgras' syndrome is the delusional belief that a person, or sometimes multiple people, have been replaced by impostors. This belief persists despite clear evidence to the contrary. Patients may also experience anxiety, paranoia, and may act out against the perceived impostors.

Causes

The exact cause of Capgras' syndrome is not well understood, but it is often associated with neurological disorders, such as dementia, schizophrenia, and brain injuries. Some researchers suggest that it may be related to a disconnection between the brain regions responsible for face recognition and the emotional response to familiar faces.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Capgras' syndrome is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history and symptoms. It is important to rule out other psychiatric disorders and neurological conditions. Neuroimaging techniques, such as MRI and CT scan, may be used to identify any underlying brain abnormalities.

Treatment

Treatment for Capgras' syndrome often involves addressing the underlying condition, such as using antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia or cognitive therapy for dementia. Psychotherapy may also be beneficial in helping patients cope with their delusions.

Prognosis

The prognosis for Capgras' syndrome varies depending on the underlying cause. In cases related to treatable conditions, symptoms may improve with appropriate treatment. However, in chronic conditions like dementia, the delusion may persist.

Also see

• Delusional disorder
• Fregoli delusion
• Prosopagnosia
• Schizophrenia

edit 

WikiMD neurology

External links

• Comprehensive information from the National Institute of health.
  

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z