Fregoli delusion is a rare mental disorder in which one firmly believes that different people are the same person, but they are all in disguise. People who have this disorder are deluded and think that a stranger is following them using different faces and personalities. It is an intriguing disorder that can be a catalyst for an excruciating mental struggle in one’s life because of the constant paranoia and anxiety they experience. To this day, it remains untreated but therapists have been diligently trying to find treatments to improve the quality of life of a person who suffers from this.
The History of The Fregoli Delusion
The first case of Fregoli delusion goes back to 1927. Two French authors, Paul Curbon and Gabriel Fail, reported that there was a woman who believed that two famous actresses (Sarah Bernhardt and Robine) were disguising themselves and pretending to be different people, some she knows and others that were strangers. Curbon and Fail named this case Fregoli Delusion after the Italian actor Leopoldo Fregoli for his mastery of disguise and impersonating people on his stage shows.
The Causes
Experts have not yet found a specific cause of the Fregoli delusion. Still, it has been reported that it could be tied to several neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and dementia. This is because they both cause changes in the brain that can lead to hallucinations and delusions. It can also be caused by a traumatic brain injury that could affect the brain’s functionality. It may often be caused by disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolarity that can also immensely impact one’s mental health and wellness to the degree of seeing delusions.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis of the fregoli delusion can be challenging as it shares some characteristics with other brain disorders. Doctors have to conduct a thorough evaluation of one’s case and go over all the possible neurological disorders before considering the situation to be a fregoli delusion.
As for the treatment, there is currently no specific treatment for the disorder. However, doctors can suggest certain treatments to help individuals with this disorder improve their lives and lessen the effect it has on their functionality and well-being.
Doctors might suggest antipsychotic medications as the first line of defense to help reduce the paranoia and anxiety that accompanies the delusions. They can also direct the individual into cognitive behavioral therapy in which they can, with the help of a therapist, start challenging, and gradually deconstructing their illusions.
Next, in an attempt to help individuals with the disorder feel more integrated into society and not completely alienated, which can worsen their situation, doctors can suggest support groups where they meet people who share their experiences and can empathize with them as they are going through similar, if not the same, struggles.
Final Thoughts
Fregoli delusion is a rare and extremely mentally challenging disorder as it can be complicated to track and understand from the outside. People who have not experienced it might have a hard time wrapping their heads around it. However, if someone does experience it, it can ruin their life merely for not knowing better and seeking help at an earlier point. If you are anyone you know is having delusions, please seek medical help right away.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician. Please speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
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