MISIDENTIFICATION SYNDROMES IN SCHIZOPHRENIA - CASE REVIEWS WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR CLASSIFICATION AND PREVALENCE

Misidentification syndromes represent false, delusionally-based identi fication of self and/or others. These are variants of the Capgras Synd rome. Although the frequency of misidentification syndromes in schizop hrenic populations has not yet been established, the authors believe t his syndrome is more prevalent than previously described. Seven of twe nty-five (28%) consecutive patients admitted to a chronic clozapine un it with a variant of misidentification syndrome will be described. The ir symptoms are categorised according to traditional classification, a nd Silva's proposed nomenclature. Problems inherent in these classific ations are discussed. The need for a more systematic classification of misidentification syndromes is emphasised. Longitudinal studies of mi sidentification syndrome, and the development of a standardised assess ment tool for clinicians who treat chronically psychotic patients, are encouraged.