Folie imposée

A psychological phenomenon where a delusion is imposed on another person

Folie imposée is a psychological phenomenon where a delusion is transferred from one individual to another. It is a subtype of folie à deux, a rare psychiatric syndrome in which symptoms of a delusional belief are transmitted from one individual to another. The term "folie imposée" specifically refers to situations where the primary individual, often referred to as the "inducer," imposes their delusional beliefs onto a secondary individual, who initially does not share these beliefs.

Characteristics

In cases of folie imposée, the secondary individual, also known as the "recipient," typically adopts the delusional beliefs of the inducer due to a close relationship or emotional bond. The recipient is usually more passive and dependent on the inducer, which facilitates the transmission of the delusion. Once the individuals are separated, the recipient's delusional beliefs often diminish or disappear, indicating the induced nature of the condition.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing folie imposée involves a thorough psychiatric evaluation of both the inducer and the recipient. Clinicians look for:

• A close relationship between the individuals involved.
• The presence of a shared delusion that is not culturally or religiously sanctioned.
• The disappearance of the delusion in the recipient after separation from the inducer.

Treatment

Treatment of folie imposée typically involves separating the individuals to disrupt the transmission of the delusion. The inducer may require psychiatric treatment, such as antipsychotic medication or psychotherapy, to address the underlying delusional disorder. The recipient may also benefit from psychotherapy to reinforce reality testing and address any underlying psychological vulnerabilities.

Historical Context

The concept of folie imposée was first described in the 19th century by French psychiatrists Charles Lasègue and Jules Falret, who identified various forms of shared psychotic disorders. Their work laid the foundation for understanding how delusions can be transmitted between individuals in close relationships.

Related Concepts

Folie imposée is part of a broader category of shared psychotic disorders, which also includes:

• Folie simultanée: Where two individuals independently develop the same delusion simultaneously.
• Folie communiquée: Where a delusion is gradually adopted by a second person.
• Folie induite: Where a pre-existing delusion in one person is adopted by another.

Also see

• Delusional disorder
• Psychosis
• Shared psychotic disorder
• Paranoia

References

• Lasègue, C., & Falret, J. (1877). La folie à deux. Annales Médico-psychologiques, 18, 321-355.
• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).