Ron Walfisch, Dor Kalmanovich, Dor Hadida Barzilai
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Capgras syndrome (CS) is a rare delusional misidentification syndrome in which individuals believe that another person has been replaced by an impostor.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all admissions to two male psychiatric inpatient departments in a tertiary hospital in Israel between August 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025. Cases with explicit documentation of CS were included. Demographic and clinical data were extracted and analyzed.
Results: Among 308 hospitalised patients, five (1.62%) met criteria for CS, with a mean age of 33.6 years. Three patients (60%) had schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and two (40%) had organic psychosis associated with left frontal brain lesions. Four patients (80%) presented during their first psychiatric admission after committing severe violence against family members perceived as impostors. Treatment response varied: CS resolved in some cases with antipsychotics alone, while others required Clozapine and adjunctive interventions.
Conclusions: CS may be underrecognized but carries significant clinical implications, particularly due to its association with violence in first-episode psychosis. Early identification and tailored treatment are critical for risk reduction.
期刊介绍:
Cognitive Neuropsychiatry (CNP) publishes high quality empirical and theoretical papers in the multi-disciplinary field of cognitive neuropsychiatry. Specifically the journal promotes the study of cognitive processes underlying psychological and behavioural abnormalities, including psychotic symptoms, with and without organic brain disease. Since 1996, CNP has published original papers, short reports, case studies and theoretical and empirical reviews in fields of clinical and cognitive neuropsychiatry, which have a bearing on the understanding of normal cognitive processes. Relevant research from cognitive neuroscience, cognitive neuropsychology and clinical populations will also be considered.
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