Fregoli Delusion: A Rare Subtype of Delusional Misidentification Syndromes (DMSs)

Farnaz  Ghannadi; Mohammadsaleh  Talebinejad; Morvarid  Ahadi

doi:10.18502/crcp.v9i4.17985

Farnaz Ghannadi Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammadsaleh Talebinejad Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Morvarid Ahadi Psychiatry Department, Psychosis Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/crcp.v9i4.17985

Keywords: Fregoli syndrome; Misidentification delusions; Person identity processing; Person perception

Abstract

As a rare subtype of delusional misidentification syndromes (DMSs), Fregoli Delusioninvolves the belief that two or more individuals are actually the same persondisguised as another. In this case report, a 23-year-old male presents with FregoliDelusion, self-inflicted harm, and a history of being kidnapped and abused. While thepatient had abstained from alcohol and drugs for two years, neuroimaging revealednon-specific developmental anomalies, adding to the complexity of the clinicalsituation. Diagnoses and treatments are complicated by the coexistence of psychoticsymptoms, mood dysregulation, and complex delusional constructs. A combinationof antipsychotic medication and cognitive behavioural therapy is more effective intreating schizophrenic patients. It is important to closely monitor this patient due totheir history of non-adherence to their treatment plan and drug abuse. As a result ofthis situation, trauma-focused care and personalized interventions are necessary, aswell as additional research to enhance the treatment of Fregoli Delusions resultingfrom this situation.