Fregoli delusion
Fregoli Delusion
Fregoli delusion (pronounced fre-GOH-lee) is a rare psychiatric disorder in which a person holds a delusional belief that different people are in fact a single person who changes appearance or is in disguise.
Etymology
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.
Definition
The Fregoli delusion is classified as a monothematic delusion, in which a person misidentifies others, believing them to be a single individual. This delusion is often associated with paranoid and schizophrenic symptoms.
Symptoms
People with Fregoli delusion often report that they are being persecuted or followed by a person who disguises himself as many others. They may also believe that this person is capable of telepathy or mind control.
Causes
The exact cause of Fregoli delusion is unknown, but it is often associated with lesions in the fusiform face area of the brain, which is involved in face perception and recognition. It may also be related to a dysfunction of the amygdala, the part of the brain involved in emotion and perception.
Treatment
Treatment for Fregoli delusion typically involves antipsychotic medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. In some cases, electroconvulsive therapy may be used.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fregoli delusion
- Wikipedia's article - Fregoli delusion
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