Capgras syndrome is a rare delusional disorder where a person believes a loved one has been replaced by an identical imposter. It may be caused by physical trauma to the right temporal lobe or an underlying mental disorder. Treatment includes antipsychotic drugs and counseling.
Capgras syndrome is a rare type of delusional disorder. It is characterized by intense and unshakable feelings that a close friend or family member has been replaced by an identical imposter. A sick person recognizes the face and behavior of his loved one, but is convinced that he is a double. People who have Capgras syndrome may also experience other delusions and symptoms due to an underlying case of schizophrenia or another mental disorder. Treatment in the form of antipsychotic drugs and psychological counseling helps many patients regain an understanding of reality.
The causes of Capgras syndrome are not fully understood. Many researchers believe the disorder is likely caused by physical trauma to a particular area of the brain called the right temporal lobe, which is responsible for facial recognition. Traffic accidents, drug abuse, or other causes of temporal lobe damage are common in the histories of many patients with Capgras syndrome. Additionally, a number of people show signs of schizophrenia, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other syndromes that cause delusional thoughts. The disorder is more common in adult females.
Capgras syndrome can come on suddenly, taking both the sufferer and their loved ones by surprise. A woman with the disorder may wake up next to her longtime spouse and react in horror that her husband has been replaced. She manages to recognize his face, her mannerisms and her behavior as absolutely normal, but at the same time she is certain that she is not her husband. Reassurance from other family and friends is meaningless and the patient may believe that others are involved in the programme. Some people with Capgras syndrome have the same feelings towards multiple close people and occasionally feel as if pets, household items, or other objects are doubles as well.
It can be difficult to get a person with Capgras syndrome symptoms to visit a doctor. If a meeting with a psychiatrist is arranged, he can usually diagnose the condition based on a personal interview. Medical tests can be scheduled to look for signs of illness, head trauma, and chemical imbalances in the brain.
Treatment decisions are made on a patient-by-patient basis. Many people, especially those with schizophrenia, respond well to daily antipsychotic medications. Cognitive-behavioral therapy with an expert counselor can also help patients realize that their ideas are unfounded and provide suggestions on how to better manage their daily lives. It is essential that family members, especially those targeted as imposters, educate themselves about the disorder and provide as much support as possible in their loved one’s time of need.
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