Olanzapine in the treatment of Capgras Syndrome: a case report

Abstract

Capgras Syndrome is a delusion characterized by the patient's belief that his or her relatives (or close friends) have been replaced by impostors who have a close resemblance to the originals. Here we describe the clinical picture and the therapeutic approach to a 41-year-old, divorced, Caucasian female with acute delusions and problematic behavior. Treatment with olanzapine was initiated, based on its reported efficacy in the treatment of monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis. Our case shows that treatment with olanzapine can lead to a good clinical outcome with a remission of the psychotic symptoms. In our experience, the starting dose should be as low as possible in order to avoid the occurrence of adverse effects (which are often responsible for the dropout). According to the severity of symptoms and the risk to the patient and family, the patient's admission to an inpatient unit should be considered.

Keywords:

• Capgras
• treatment
• olanzapine

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr. Dinesh Bhugra, professor of Psychiatry at the King's College of London, for having contributed to theoretical interpretation and final proofreading.

Notes on contributors

Julio Torales is the Head of the Research Department at the Institute of Psychiatry at the National University of Asunción.

Hugo Rodríguez is the Head of the Inpatient Unit at the Institute of Psychiatry at the National University of Asunción.

Andrés Arce is Chief of Staff at the Institute of Psychiatry at the National University of Asunción.

Martín Moreno is Head of the Liaison Psychiatry Department at the Institute of Psychiatry at the National University of Asunción.

Viviana Riego is Chief of Medical Residents at the Institute of Psychiatry at the National University of Asunción.

Emilia Chávez is a medical resident at the Institute of Psychiatry at the National University of Asunción.

Marcos Capurrois a medical resident at the Institute of Psychiatry at the National University of Asunción.