The Delusional Misidentification Syndromes

Abstract

The basic concept characterising the delusional misidentification syndromes (DMS), particularly the Capgras variety, is the concept of double, or its equivalents. It seems that this concept is prominent in all cultures and this explains the amazing universality of these delusions. Cases of DMS have been reported in practically all parts of the world. In fact, most patients actually mention the word double (or σωσιας, sosie etc.) or refer to transformations (metamorphose, μεταμoρΦωσεις and the like). The preoccupation, and even enchantment, of man with the notion of doubles from time immemorial in all cultures, as reflected in the myths, traditions, literature, beliefs and metaphysical motions, has been dealt with extensively elsewhere (Christodoulou, 1986a).