Fregoli Syndrome: An Underrecognized Risk Factor for Aggression in Treatment Settings

Ashraf, Nauman; Antonius, Daniel; Sinkman, Arthur; Kleinhaus, Karine; Malaspina, Dolores

doi:10.1155/2011/351824

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Mojtabei 41 reviewed the literature and reported 34 Fregoli syndrome cases, their average age was 34.9 years and mainly male. In hospital settings, patients with Fregoli syndrome often misidentify members of the treatment team (eg, nurses, doctors, trainees, etc) who work closely with the patients; this misidentification may result in assaultive behavior toward the staff, 42 but the frequency of violence in the syndrome is unclear. 43 Christodoulou suggested that CS is a “hypoidentification” of a person closely related to the patient, whereas Fregoli syndrome is a “hyperidentification” of a person not well known to the patient.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Delusional Misidentification Syndromes and Dementia

Cipriani¹,

Vedovello²,

Ulivi³

et al. 2013

Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen

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The delusional misidentification syndromes (DMSs) are psychopathologic phenomena in which a patient consistently misidentifies persons, places, objects, or events. Although often described in relation to psychotic states including schzofrenia, it is, nevertheless, widely considered that these syndromes have an anatomical basis because of their frequent association with organic brain disease; studies have pointed to the presence of identifiable lesions, especially in the right frontal lobe and adjacent regions, in a considerable proportion of patients. The purpose of this article is to examine the phenomenon in people with dementia. We searched the electronic databases for original research and review articles on DMS in patients with dementia using the search terms "Delusional Misidentification Syndrome, Capgras syndrome, Fregoli syndrome, reduplicative paramnesia, and dementia." The DMSs are a frequent problem in dementia. The violence and dangerousness in patients with dementia having these syndromes are well documented, and forensic aspects are highlighted. Pathogenetic viewpoint and management are considered.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Delusional Misidentification Syndromes and Dementia

Cipriani¹,

Vedovello²,

Ulivi³

et al. 2013

Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen

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“…The violent behavior was also reported. [24][25][26] In conclusion, the case reported here highlights the association between a major psychiatric disorder in a phase of acute decompensation and the delusional misidentification syndrome resulting in homicide and aggressive behavior. It is essential to identify such syndromes and evaluate the dangerousness in these patients.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 58%

Uxoricide by a schizophrenic patient with delusional misidentification syndromes: A case report

Bougatf

Hamdi

2022

Clinical Case Reports

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“…45 A recent case report described a patient with Fregoli syndrome with likely HIV-related dementia who assaulted an inpatient clinician believing that a mysterious persecutor was masquerading as several of the staff members. 46 In closing, DMS lies at the interface between neurology and psychiatry, suggesting that different etiologies affecting the right hemisphere, from gross anatomic damage to the more subtle neural disruption of primary psychotic disorders, may lead down a final common pathway of altered perception of the identity of others and consequent severe emotional distress.…”

Section: Commentary By David a Kahn MDmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Unusual Case of Erotomania and Delusional Misidentification Syndrome

Granstein

Strimbu²,

Francois³

et al. 2015

Journal of Psychiatric Practice

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Delusional misidentification syndromes and erotomania are rare entities, each with several distinct manifestations and no clearly defined treatment regimen. Here we expand upon an earlier literature review and describe the case of a 40-year-old woman with a history of bipolar I disorder who presented after an extended period of medication nonadherence with symptoms consistent with both of these conditions; she believed that the staff on the unit were in fact disguised celebrities and fictional characters, and she claimed to be married to a famous singer. The exact relationship of these symptoms (and indeed, even their basic etiologies) remains unclear; however, both delusional syndromes resolved with a combination of risperidone and lithium therapy. Although earlier literature has suggested pimozide as the most effective agent for treating delusional syndromes, given the more favorable side-effect profile of atypical versus typical antipsychotics, this case suggests a role for risperidone as a first-line treatment in such situations.

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Fregoli Syndrome: An Underrecognized Risk Factor for Aggression in Treatment Settings

Abstract: Fregoli syndrome (FS) is commonly associated with verbal threats and aggressive behavior. We present a case of Fregoli syndrome leading to an assault. We discuss the possible underdiagnosis of FS, associated risk for aggression, and strategies to reduce that risk.

Cited by 6 publications

References 12 publications

Delusional Misidentification Syndromes and Dementia

Delusional Misidentification Syndromes and Dementia

Uxoricide by a schizophrenic patient with delusional misidentification syndromes: A case report

An Unusual Case of Erotomania and Delusional Misidentification Syndrome

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