A COGNITIVE MODEL OF DANGEROUS DELUSIONAL MISIDENTIFICATION SYNDROMES

The hallmark of the delusional misidentification syndromes is the pres ence of a misidentification delusion of the self or others. Delusional misidentification may present with an increased risk for dangerous be haviors. Individuals suffering from delusional misidentification syndr omes may express hostility in ways ranging from serious verbal threats to homicidal acts. The causes of dangerous misidentification delusion s remain for the most part undetermined. In this article, we report a series of six cases of individuals who harbored dangerous misidentific ation delusions. These individuals were studied phenomenologically and forensically. They were also studied biologically, including neuropsy chological testing. A cognitive hypothesis aimed at explaining dangero usness and delusional misidentification is proposed. Implications of t he hypothesis for further research are briefly outlined.