reduplicative paramnesia
Pronunciation: ree-DOOP-li-kay-tiv par-am-NEE-zhah
Delusional belief that a familiar place has been duplicated, existing simultaneously in two or more locations.
Full Definition
Reduplicative paramnesia is a rare form of delusional misidentification syndrome in which patients believe that a familiar place, typically their current location such as a hospital or home, has been duplicated and exists in multiple locations simultaneously. First described by Arnold Pick, this condition most commonly occurs following right hemisphere damage, particularly involving the frontal and parietal regions. Patients may insist they are in both the 'real' hospital and an identical duplicate, often providing elaborate explanations for this impossible situation. The condition represents a failure of place recognition and spatial memory integration, distinct from simple disorientation.
Usage
Usage note: Both words from Latin roots. 'Paramnesia' refers to distorted memory, not to be confused with 'amnesia'.
In Context
- "The patient exhibited reduplicative paramnesia, insisting that the hospital had been moved closer to her home overnight." — Neuropsychiatric assessment
- "Reduplicative paramnesia following the stroke resolved gradually over three months with consistent reality orientation." — Rehabilitation progress note