PART C

Specific examples of delusions and syndromes (subgroups listed in Chart 2.1)

Capgra’s Syndrome
This rare syndrome involves the idea that a clone or impostor has taken the place of an acquaintance, friend, or relative. This delusion is more common in women than men.  Learn more about this syndrome at the web site provided.

web http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/capgras-syndrome.htm

Cotard’s Syndrome
With this condition, the afflicted person believes that his or her friends or family (or parts of their bodies) do not exist or will cease to exist in the near future. Sometimes such an individual may believe that specific objects do not (or will not) exist (e.g., money, the planet Earth). The technical name for this disorder is a nihilistic delusional disorder.

Clerambault’s Syndrome
This syndrome, also known as erotomania, occurs when a person falsely believes that another person is in love with them. The “other person” is often someone with a higher status. This syndrome is more common in women.

Fregoli’s Syndrome
A person suffering from this syndrome believes that an acquaintance, friend, or relative has assumed an alternate identity or has disguised himself or herself in some way. The acquaintance, friend, or relative does this to persecute or injure the afflicted person more easily.

Folie à Deux
Also known as induced psychosis, folie à deux occurs when a person shares a delusional belief with someone else. This situation typically involves a person with an authentic delusional disorder and someone who is close to him or her who “shares” the delusion. The person suffering from folie à deux is usually dependent on the individual with the legitimate delusional disorder and is often of low intelligence.

Delusional (Pathological) Jealousy
Individuals with delusional or pathological jealousy truly believe that their partners (spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend) are being unfaithful. They will actively search for evidence to prove their suspicions true. Often, however, individuals will form inaccurate conclusions from events or objects they believe are evidence -- even when the evidence is clearly faulty. Delusional jealousy is more common in men than women.

Querulant (Persecutory) Delusions
This type of delusion, also known as persecutory, results when a person believes that he or she is being harassed or threatened by someone or something. The “someone” can be anyone – from a close friend or family member, even a TV star or politician. The “something” can include organizations such as the Canadian Revenue Agency or aliens from Mars. Please read Case Study 13 for an example of a querulant (persecutory) delusion.