Capgras delusion
Capgras Delusion
Capgras Delusion (/kæpˈɡrɑː/; from French psychiatrist Joseph Capgras) 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disorder in which a person holds a delusion that a friend, spouse, parent, or other close family member (or pet) has been replaced by an identical-looking impostor.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.
Etymology
The term "Capgras" is derived from the name of French psychiatrist Joseph Capgras, who first described the disorder in a 1923 paper he wrote with his intern, Jean Reboul-Lachaux. The term "delusion" comes from the Latin word "deludere," meaning "to deceive."
Symptoms
The primary symptom of Capgras delusion is the belief that a familiar person or pet has been replaced by an impostor. This belief is held despite evidence to the contrary. Other symptoms may include feelings of paranoia, anxiety, and depression.
Causes
The exact cause of Capgras delusion is unknown, but it is often associated with conditions that affect the brain, such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and brain injury. It is also sometimes associated with diabetes and migraine.
Treatment
Treatment for Capgras delusion typically involves addressing the underlying condition that may be causing the delusion. This can include medication for conditions like schizophrenia or Alzheimer's disease, or therapy for conditions like depression or anxiety.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Capgras delusion
- Wikipedia's article - Capgras delusion
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