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The Delusional Misidentification Syndromes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 August 2018

G. N. Christodoulou
G. N. Christodoulou*
Affiliation:
Athens University, Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Vassilissis Sofias 74, 11528 Athens and Center for Mental Health, Notara Str. 58, Athens, Greece
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Extract

The basic concept characterising the delusional misidentification syndromes (DMS), particularly the Capgras variety, is the concept of double, or its equivalents. It seems that this concept is prominent in all cultures and this explains the amazing universality of these delusions. Cases of DMS have been reported in practically all parts of the world. In fact, most patients actually mention the word double (or σωσιας, sosie etc.) or refer to transformations (metamorphose, μεταμoρΦωσεις and the like). The preoccupation, and even enchantment, of man with the notion of doubles from time immemorial in all cultures, as reflected in the myths, traditions, literature, beliefs and metaphysical motions, has been dealt with extensively elsewhere (Christodoulou, 1986a).

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 159 , Issue S14: Delusions and Awareness of Reality , November 1991 , pp. 65 - 69
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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