Everything About Capgras Syndrome Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

A distorted perception of reality is one of the symptoms of Capgras Syndrome, a rare mental health condition. A person suffering from this psychiatric disorder experiences typical delusions that an impostor has taken over the role of their loved one, friend, or family member. Therefore, Capgras syndrome is also known as Imposter Syndrome or Capgras Delusion.

Even though this disorder is not widely recognized, it is important to get professional help if you experience symptoms. Capgras syndrome can negatively impact a person's life and the lives of others around them.

The condition is named after French psychiatrist Joseph Capgras, who identified it in 1923. Capgras syndrome is still not completely understood and is often associated with other conditions. Neurology only began unraveling its neural underpinnings in the last couple of decades.

What is Capgras Syndrome or Definition of Capgras Syndrome:

Capgras Syndrome is a severe form of psychological distress in which the victim harbors the irrational belief that an impostor has replaced a loved one as per medical experts. Thus, the Capgras syndrome can be considered a Delusional Misidentification Syndrome (DMS). People suffering from this syndrome may also mistakenly believe that their pets are impostors. Some may think this belief is irrational, but the person suffering from it does not. Even though this condition can affect anyone, Capgras is more common in women than men according to statistics.

The Capgras delusion falls under the category of delusional misidentification syndrome, which refers to delusional beliefs associated with the misidentification of people, places, or objects. Depending on its severity, it may be acute, transient, or chronic.

Capgras Syndrome: What is the Reason Behind it?

Many theories have been proposed regarding the cause of this syndrome. Capgras syndrome can result from brain problems like cerebral dysfunction, atrophy or even lesions, according to some researchers. According to many experts, a sense of disconnection may result from a combination of cognitive and physical changes.

Many others believe that this could be a result of perception errors, information processing errors, etc that are associated with missing or damaged memories. The researchers found that hormonal imbalance might also trigger Capgras Syndrome when combined with hypothyroidism in a 2015 study. The researchers also list the following causes of Capgras Syndrome:

1. A Brain Injury May Cause Capgras Syndrome: There are also some cases where brain injuries can lead to Capgras syndrome. The right hemisphere is commonly involved in brain injuries in the back of the brain. That area controls facial recognition.

2. Schizophrenia May Cause Capgras Syndrome: People with schizophrenia and paranoid hallucinations are highly likely to suffer from Capgras episodes.

3. Epilepsy May Cause Capgras Syndrome: On rare occasions, victims of this condition may also be affected by Capgras.

4. Dementia May Cause Capgras Syndrome: There is evidence that Capgras Syndrome occurs most commonly among those who have dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Both of these conditions influence the victim's memory, thereby altering his or her perception of reality.

5. Parkinson's Disease Can Cause Capgras Syndrome: The symptoms of Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases such as Lewy body dementia are similar to those of Capgras in patients with Parkinson's disease or other forms of neurodegenerative disorders. It is especially true in the late stages of PD or LBD. A person's emotional response appears to be intense after seeing the face of someone close to them.

What are the Symptoms of Capgras Syndrome?

Both the affected and those around them are baffled and disheartened by the symptoms of this condition. People with Capgras look and behave normally most of the time, with the exception of when they're around the person they believe to be the imposter. There are some key symptoms of Capgras Syndrome:

• People often begin to believe that they are being replaced or replaced by a doppelgänger of their close/loved one. The other person will recognize the "imposter" as looking like the person he or she replaces and will be able to see through the disguise. A change in their behavior follows as a result of this stress and anxiety.
• Violence against the "imposter" can happen in rare cases, but it is not always the case.
• A person with Capgras is more likely to experience fear, confusion, and anxiety.
• There will likely be obsessive behavior, such as exposing the "impostor" and finding the "real" person. An affected person and those around him/her may experience additional stress, arguments, and anger as a result of this.

Capgras Syndrome Diagnosis:

• Capgras Syndrome is a difficult mental illness to diagnose because the symptoms resemble those of other mental illnesses. This is in addition to the fact that the disorder is rare and poorly understood.
• Psychological evaluation is crucial to diagnosing a patient. Families and friends of patients are the ones most likely to bring into a doctor's attention their symptoms, especially if the patient is considered an impostor.

Capgras Syndrome Treatment Options:

Those who suffer from Capgras Syndrome as well as their friends and families experience pain as well. In order for caregivers to be more sympathetic, they need to understand that symptoms such as hallucinations, anxiety, and others can occur due to brain changes.

Sadly, there are few treatment options available and the outcome is poor. Capgras syndrome does not currently have a set treatment plan. Several treatments are currently being researched to treat this illness, but it is still a bit hard to find solutions. As far as possible, doctors treat Capgras Syndrome's underlying cause. Potential treatments include:

• The symptoms of Capgras can be relieved through surgery in the case of a brain injury or lesion
• Therapy is another treatment option. Patients can come to terms with what is happening in their heads with the help of a therapist. As a key part of helping patients cope with their emotions, thoughts, etc., therapy plays an important role. Their ability to interact with people they perceive to be 'impostors' is critical since it allows them to deal effectively with them.
• It can be difficult, physically and mentally, to care for Capgras Syndrome patients. An even tougher situation arises if the caregiver is classified as an impostor. 
• Creating a happy and welcoming environment is the best way to treat someone. Providing the victims with a sense of security and safety is vital.
• In validation therapy, delusions are acknowledged rather than rejected. As a result, the panic and anxiety associated with Capgras syndrome can be reduced.
• Moreover, doctors also prescribe drugs that boost neurotransmitter activity, such as cholinesterase inhibitors. Patients may experience improved memory and decision making as a result.
• Capgras symptoms can be relieved by antipsychotic drugs, especially for victims of schizophrenia
• The cause of Capgras Syndrome is addressed by mental health professionals. A person with schizophrenia experiencing symptoms indicative of Capgras Syndrome can definitely benefit from schizophrenia medication if the patient is experiencing these symptoms.
• People who suffer from Capgras are only offered a few treatment options if they have Alzheimer's or dementia.

*Disclaimer – This blog provides the information only; it doesn’t claim that the above-mentioned information can cure any diseases or can be the replacement of any medicine. For the illness kindly consult a doctor.