Delusional misidentification: the illusion of Fregoli and a dog

Psychopathology. 1996;29(4):215-7. doi: 10.1159/000284995.

Abstract

Misidentification syndromes have been regarded as psychiatric curious, but in recent years their importance both in terms of frequency, and because of their links with organic brain pathology and risk of violence has been increasingly realised. Most of the cases reported have been in conjunction with schizophrenia. We report a case of the illusion of Fregoli, the delusional misidentification of a familiar person in a stranger. The patient was manic and exhibited the delusion twice, once with regard to a man and the other concerning a dog.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Delusions / diagnosis
  • Delusions / psychology*
  • Dogs*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales