Folie à deux, about a case

Abstract

Introduction

First described in France by Lasègue and Falret as the presence of the same psychiatric symptom in 2 individuals. It involves the transference of delusional ideas from a “primary” affected individual to one or more “secondaries,” in close association.

Objectives

We present the case of a patient, diagnosed with schizophrenia, who, after several years of evolution, and after a relapse, comes accompanied by his mother, who recently began to present the same delusional symptoms that the patient reported previously.

Methods

After several pharmacological adjustments, control of the patient’s symptoms is achieved and it is he himself who is able to identify the symptoms that his mother presents, allowing her to also attend and be treated.

Results

Induced delusional disorder F.24

Conclusions

Among the variants that the folie a deux encompasses (folie imposée, folie communiquée, folie simultenée, folie induite) in this case we are probably talking about a folie communiquée, given the resistance over time of the patient’s mother until the symptoms develop. It is important to know these syndromes to be able to make a clear diagnosis, and depending on the way of onset and evolution, to be able to distinguish between the different subtypes, in order to avoid future complications and guide the corresponding treatment.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.