Delusional Misidentification Syndromes

Abstract

Delusional misidentification syndromes are reviewed by their phenomenology, epidemiology, clinical characteristics, associated clinical findings, etiological theories, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment. Related neuropsychiatric syndromes are described and distinctions between them and delusional misidentification syndromes addressed. Current psychological and biologic-cognitive theories are briefly discussed. These peculiar phenomena are probably more frequent than previously thought, if they are specifically sought and recognized. Organic factors play a definitive role in their occurrence and two brain regions frontal and temporal, are presumably dysfunctional.