As one of the changes to WDAT, I decided it would be beneficial to include articles on the lesser known mental health issues. As the debut of the ‘Spotlight Series’, this piece is centred on Capgras Syndrome.
Capgras Syndrome, a relatively unheard of psychiatric condition which commonly can be found as part of a wider disorder, for example it’s seen in approximately 15% of people diagnosed with schizophrenia. (Statistics from helpline.com)
So what exactly is Capgras Syndrome? It was named after Joseph Capgras, a French psychiatrist who first identified the disorder in 1923. It’s sometimes called the ‘Imposter syndrome’ or occasionally the ‘Capgras Delusion’. People who experience this condition have an irrational belief that those around them, their friends, family etc, have been replaced by strange imposters. Naturally this is incredibly distressing for both the person experiencing the delusion, as well as the person accused of being a ‘fake’. In some of the more extreme cases, it’s not uncommon for some to believe even inanimate objects such as their house or workplace, have been replaced by an identical lookalike, sometimes even their pets can be seen as imposters. While it’s prevalent within other psychiatric disorders, it can affect everyone, yet research has shown its found more in women than men, and in rare cases, can even affect children as well.
As with many conditions, there is no singular cause of Capgras Syndrome. While found in various psychological disorders, it’s also been seen in those suffering with Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia, two conditions which impact person’s sense of reality, as well as their memory.
Interestingly, it’s also been seen in people who’ve suffered a brain injury, especially if the back of the right hemisphere (the region in charge of facial recognition) has been hurt. Some researchers believe it’s in these physical situations that Capgras Syndrome is caused (either through a disease or injury) while others argue it’s a combination of both a physical cause as well as a mental one (feelings of being disconnected to the world) which provoke this upsetting condition.
Due to how much still remains unknown, there is little specific treatment for Capgras Syndrome at this time, however that doesn’t mean a plan will not be developed in the future. There are also proven methods to help reduce the impact of the delusions, often by treating the wider problem can the symptoms be managed, e.g. If the Syndrome is found in someone with schizophrenia, a combination of medication and talking therapy could help them cope with their delusions. While the most effective treatment remains creating a calm and positive environment for the person affected to feel safe in, some facilities offer services such as validation therapy. A talking therapy originally created for those suffering with dementia, which is centred on creating an empathetic bond between client and physician. Instead of trying to ‘stop’ irrational behaviour or prove delusions to be false, it instead concentrates on the ‘here and now,’ regardless of any disorientation.
Reality orientation techniques can also used to help people suffering with Capgras Syndrome, this means that someone close to the person, for example a wife/husband, or a friend, gives frequent and calm reminders of the present time, this could be major life events such as moving house, or even just affirming where the person is, for example, we’re standing in a supermarket, it’s 2:30 in the afternoon and the date is the 12th January. These reminders can help someone suffering with Capgras Syndrome to feel safe and secure, as well as grounded in reality.
Capgras Syndrome shouldn’t be confused with Frugoli Delusion, sometimes known as ‘the delusion of doubles’ in which a person believes different people are all in fact the same person who is either in disguise or able to change their appearance at will, for example believing their family has been replaced by a single imposter.
While Capgras Syndrome is sadly spoken about in the media, it does not lessen the effect of this disorder, or make people’s experiences any less. If you’re reading this and you’re affected by this condition, you are not the only one, while it’s not as discussed as widely as perhaps other disorders, it is just as important and your experiences every part as valid.
Helpful Links (most are focussed more on dementia than Capgras Syndrome, but I hope the techniques and information could be applied to misidentification disorders as well)
For more information on validation therapy: https://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/2-18-16-validation-therapy-for-dementia/
On reality orientation techniques: https://www.verywellhealth.com/treating-alzheimers-disease-with-reality-orientation-98682
Or on the Frugoli Delusion: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fregoli_delusion
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