What would happen if you start believing that all the members of your family have been replaced by an imposter? Imagine the pandemonium that would ensue.

The very thought is so unnerving that it is difficult to imagine the existence of such a condition.

Capgras syndrome, also known as capgras delusion, is a psychological condition in which the person has an irrational belief that their closed family or friends have been replaced by an imposter. They will acknowledge that the person is a doppelgänger and that they can see right through their disguise. The disorder exists on a continuum of severity, ranging from the accusation of acquaintances and relatives to believing their animals and homes are also imposters. It is the most common in women and can rarely affect children as well

At times capgras runs in tandem with other psychological disorders like dementia and schizophrenia. People suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s may also be affected by this condition, given the fact that both are affiliated with a sense of memory loss.

Shizophrenia is a myriad of hallucinations wrapped in a sheet of paranoia and can be a trigger for capgras syndrome

Another theory is that Capgras syndrome results from a brain injury involving lesions on the brain. Traumatic lesions on the brain were present in more than one-third of all documented cases of Capgras syndrome looked at in one study

Capgras syndrome could also be caused by a disconnect between the visual part of the brain and the area that processes facial familiarity. This disconnect could cause a person to misidentify someone they know.

Capgras may take the form of violence towards the “imposter” a focal point of tension and confusion for all parties involved

The treatment of capgras involves medications and antipsychotics.

Reality orientation techniques may be helpful in some circumstances. This means that the caregiver gives frequent reminders of present time and location, including reminders of major life events, moves, or any substantial changes.

Treatment aims to address the underlying cause. For instance, if someone with poor symptom control in schizophrenia experiences Capgras syndrome, treating the schizophrenia can improve the Capgras syndrome. However, if Capgras syndrome occurs during the course of Alzheimer’s disease, the treatment options are limited.

Some care facilities will use validation therapy. In validation therapy, delusions are supported instead of rejected. This can reduce anxiety and panic in the person experiencing the delusion

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