Fregoli

Fregoli delusion is a rare disorder characterized by the belief that different people are in fact a single person who changes appearance or is in disguise. The condition is named after the Italian actor Leopoldo Fregoli who was renowned for his ability to make quick changes of appearance during his stage act.

History

The term Fregoli delusion was coined by two French psychiatrists, P. Courbon and G. Fail in 1927. They described a case of a young woman who believed she was being pursued by two Parisian actresses whom she often went to see at the theatre. She believed these actresses took the form of people she knew or met.

Symptoms

The main symptom of Fregoli delusion is the belief that different people are actually the same person in disguise. This belief is not based on facial recognition processes, but rather on the perception of familiarity or sameness of two or more people. The person with Fregoli delusion may also experience hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms.

Causes

The exact cause of Fregoli delusion is unknown. However, it is often associated with lesions of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It has also been linked to a range of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Treatment

Treatment for Fregoli delusion typically involves antipsychotic medications. Psychotherapy may also be beneficial. In some cases, the delusion may resolve on its own without treatment.

See also

• Capgras delusion
• Cotard delusion
• Prosopagnosia

References

Fregoli Resources
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