Coexistence of different delusional misidentification syndromes in clinical practice: A case series

Abstract

Objective

The objective of this study is to analyse the coexistence of several delusional misidentification syndromes in a clinical sample.

Methods

Over one year, a sample of six patients presenting two or more types of delusional misidentification syndromes was selected. All these patients were admitted to the psychiatric inpatient unit of a Spanish hospital.

Results

Despite the different diagnoses, the patients included presented different types of delusional misidentification syndromes, both hyperidentification and hypoidentification. Antipsychotic treatment was not very effective against these delusional misidentification syndromes.

Conclusions

The coexistence of several delusional misidentification syndromes indicates that the aetiopathogenesis of the different types is similar. It is a field with important clinical implications, due to the poor response to treatment, as well as the possible medico-legal implications.