Background: Capgras’ delusion has captured psychiatrists’ imaginations, but the clinical features of the delusion have rarely been studied and presented systematically. Aims: The present study systematically reviews all case reports on Capgras’ delusion in the English language in order to better understand differences between organic and functional aetiologies. Methods: All medical and psychiatric databases were searched, as were the bibliographies of published case reports, narrative reviews, and book chapters. Results: A total of 258 cases were identified from 175 papers. Functional Capgras’ delusion was more associated with a wider variety of imposters; multiple imposters; other misidentification syndromes; auditory hallucinations; other delusions; and formal thought disorder. Organic cases were associated with age; inanimate objects; memory and visual-spatial impairments; right hemispheric dysfunction; and visual hallucinations. Executive dysfunction and aggression were associated with both types. Conclusions: Specific features of the -Capgras’ delusional content and associated signs point to either organic or functional aetiology. The delusion is more amorphous than many theorists have supposed, which challenges their explanatory models.

Keywords:
Capgras’ syndrome, Misidentification syndrome, Cognitive neuropsychiatry, Psychotic disorders, Organic syndromes
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel
2019
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.