How To Manage Capgras Syndrome
Capgras syndrome, also known as imposter syndrome, is a mental illness. The typical presentation of this disorder is the patient believes individuals they know have been replaced by an imposter. They believe the person is someone who they are not, which can become very stressful and frustrating to others around them. There are various reasons for Capgras syndrome to occur, including schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and brain injury. There are also various theories behind why this happens. Some doctors believe it is a problem in the brain and others believe it is an issue with processing information. Regardless, there are still ways to manage Capgras syndrome. Learn about this now.
Validation Therapy
A commonly used technique to help manage the condition is validation therapy, which involves the therapist embracing and supporting the delusion instead of trying to correct it. By supporting the patient, it can help them reduce their panic or anxiety. It is sometimes necessary to enter the reality of the patient, as a therapist needs to understand how the patient must feel when everyone tells them what they are seeing is not accurate. During this kind of therapy, it is important to not argue or correct the patient. This is because it can cause the patient to lose connection and damage the relationship. It's crucial for the patient to feel loved, assured, and safe. Instituting the validation technique will help the patient be less anxious and have a positive effect on the relationship and trust developed with them.
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Treat Underlying Conditions
Since there may be other conditions causing Capgras syndrome, underlying conditions must be treated. If the patient is suffering from Alzheimer's disease or schizophrenia, it is important to address these illnesses and work to relieve their symptoms. The patient will probably need medication to manage the underlying condition. Patients with schizophrenia should be treated with antipsychotics and then reevaluated for Capgras syndrome. Patients with Alzheimer's disease may need to be treated with cholinesterase inhibitors and then get another evaluation. It is possible getting the underlying treatment under control will result in a positive impact on Capgras syndrome. Furthermore, if the syndrome is being caused by brain lesions or head trauma, surgery might be needed. So, treating the underlying conditions in conjunction with therapy can help the patient understand their condition and give them tools to alleviate some symptoms.
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Reality Orientation Techniques
Another strategy to try is reality orientation techniques to deal with Capgras syndrome. These techniques try to connect the patient to their surroundings using concrete facts, like dates and locations. The more the patient can identify reality, the more they may be able to manage the symptoms of Capgras syndrome. Many doctors recommend using medications in conjunction with reality orientation and that the family members caring for the patient are trained in how to use it. Some studies have shown an increase in cognitive function when these techniques have been used. This kind of therapy helps patients talk about the real world and not just the one they are living in. It helps connect patients to the real world in a compassionate way so they do not become too stressed out or experience anxiety.
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Rely On Sound For Announcing Presence
Because patients with Capgras syndrome often find it difficult to communicate visually with others without thinking they are an intruder, individuals, medical professionals and loved ones alike, might want to try to rely on sound for announcing their presence to someone dealing with Capgras syndrome. By allowing the patient to develop a positive relationship with a voice without seeing the person, it may help serve as a transition into actually seeing them. It may make it easier to make the patient understand the person is not an imposter and establish trust with them. A few ways of doing this include communicating through the telephone, knocking or calling out before entering their line of vision, or sitting out of sight while having a conversation. But, as with other techniques, caregivers need to make sure they understand what being seen as an imposter may mean. It could mean the patient gets angry and even violent. Thus, precautions should be taken, and boundaries established, so it can be a healthy environment for all involved.
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Make The Patient Feel Safe
Above everything, if the treatment will have any chance at success, doctors and caregivers must make the Capgras syndrome patient feel safe. It is bad enough that the patient feels like those closest to them (and sometimes animals and inanimate objects) are impersonators, they should not feel unsafe on top of it. The environment should be compassionate and loving, with no judgment. Some of the techniques require caregivers to accept the patient's reality. To be able to do this, the caregiver cannot argue with the patient or make them feel like they are attacked. If the patient feels safe in their environment, it can go a long way in establishing trust and being able to use different techniques. But, just like the patient needs to feel safe, so do the caregivers. So, safety precautions should be established so no one gets hurt or violent.