fregoli delusion
Pronunciation: FREG-oh-lee
A misidentification syndrome where patients believe different people are actually the same person in disguise.
Full Definition
Fregoli delusion is a type of delusional misidentification where patients believe that various people in their environment are actually the same familiar person who has altered their appearance through disguises, masks, or other means. Named after Italian actor Leopoldo Fregoli who was famous for quick costume changes, this condition often involves paranoid themes about being followed or persecuted. The delusion typically results from right hemisphere damage affecting face processing areas and is seen in various psychiatric and neurological conditions.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize when referring to the eponymous syndrome. Often has paranoid themes unlike other misidentification syndromes.
In Context
- "The patient's Fregoli delusion led to accusations that hospital staff were all the same person in different costumes." — Psychiatric assessment notes
- "Fregoli delusion complicated discharge planning as the patient refused to interact with 'disguised' family members." — Case management review