Capgras Syndrome, or Capgras delusion, is a psychological disorder where the individual has the illusion that a friend, companion, family member or pets, have been replaced by look-alikes or supposed “impostors”.
People with Capgras syndrome recognize familiar faces, but still believe that person is an imposter.
This syndrome belongs to the group of illusory diseases and can occur in an acute, transient or chronic form.
Causes of Capgras Syndrome
The causes of Capgras Syndrome may be related to psychological problems such as the Oedipus complex. In this case, individuals, because they are jealous of one parent, believe that the other is an impostor.
Another cause of Capgras Syndrome may be the existence of brain injuries, caused by head injuries, in regions related to the identification of faces and emotions. In this case, individuals can recognize people's faces, but in reality, they don't know who it is. Like, for example, a mother who recognizes the child's face, 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 can be the use of antipsychotic drugs and psychological counseling.
Treatment must be individual and appropriate to treat the delusions of each individual. Family members may also need psychological counseling to learn how to deal with the patient.
Useful links:
