capgras delusion
Pronunciation: cap-GRAH
A delusional belief that familiar people have been replaced by identical-looking impostors or duplicates.
Full Definition
Capgras delusion is a specific type of misidentification syndrome where patients maintain that familiar people, typically close family members, have been replaced by physically identical impostors. This condition often results from damage to connections between face recognition areas and limbic structures, leading to preserved facial recognition without emotional familiarity. The delusion can occur in various neurological conditions including dementia, traumatic brain injury, and psychiatric disorders, requiring careful differential diagnosis.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize when referring to the eponymous syndrome. Distinguish from other misidentification syndromes.
In Context
- "Following head trauma, the patient developed Capgras delusion, insisting his wife was an impostor." — Psychiatric consultation report
- "Capgras delusion in the dementia patient created significant distress for family caregivers." — Care planning documentation