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Review Articles

The de Clérambault syndrome: more than just a delusional disorder?

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Pages 385-390 | Received 30 Dec 2019, Accepted 16 Mar 2020, Published online: 14 Apr 2020
 

Abstract

The de Clérambault syndrome, commonly known as erotomania, is a delusional disorder in which the patient is convinced that another person has fallen in love with him or her. The syndrome is more frequent in female patients, who usually believe that their lover is a man belonging to a higher social and economic class, or is married, unknown, or even imaginary or deceased person. The course of the syndrome is usually chronic, with serious problematic behavioural consequences, including stalking behaviours, such as repetitive calling, unexpected visits or continuous attempts to send gifts or letters. According to the DSM-5, this syndrome is included in the erotomanic type of the delusional disorder, however, it is usually neglected in psychiatric practice and almost forgotten by modern psychiatrists.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

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