The Capgras Syndrome, or Capgras delirium, is a psychological disorder where the individual has the illusion that a friend, companion, family member or pets have been replaced by look-alikes or alleged "imposters."
Capgras syndrome patients recognize familiar faces, but still believe that person is an impostor.
This syndrome belongs to the group of illusory diseases and can occur in an acute, transient or chronic way.
Causes of Capgras Syndrome
The causes of Capgras Syndrome may be related to psychological problems such as Oedipus complex. In this case, individuals, being jealous of one parent, believe that the other is an impostor.
Another cause of Capgras Syndrome may be the existence of brain lesions, caused by cranial trauma, in regions related to the identification of faces and emotions. In this case, individuals can recognize people's faces, but in fact, they do not know who they are. As for example, a mother who recognizes the face of the child, but has no maternal feeling about it.
Some patients with Capgras Syndrome also have epilepsy or Alzheimer's disease.
Treatment of Capgras Syndrome
The treatment of Capgras Syndrome may be the use of antipsychotic medications and psychological counseling.
Treatment should be individual and appropriate to treat the delusions of each individual. Family members may also need psychological counseling to deal with the patient.
Useful links:
- Cotard's syndrome
- Fregoli Syndrome
