Fregoli Syndrome is a rare psychiatric disorder in which a person holds the delusional belief that different individuals they see are actually a single person in disguise. This condition belongs to the class of Delusional Misidentification Syndromes (such as Capgras Syndrome).

At the core of the syndrome is the person's belief that a stranger or an acquaintance is following and deceiving them by rapidly changing their costumes and appearance, pretending to be different people. This situation leads to intense feelings of paranoia, anxiety, and distress, significantly reducing the person's quality of life.^【1】 

Origin of Its Name and History

The disorder gets its name from the famous Italian actor Leopoldo Fregoli, known for his ability to rapidly change costumes and characters, and it is also popularly known as The Impostor Syndrome. The first known case of the syndrome is associated with a person who, after watching one of Fregoli's plays, claimed that the actor was following them in various disguises.

Fregoli syndrome entered the scientific literature in 1927 when French authors Courbon and Fail reported the case of a woman who believed that two famous actresses (Sarah Bernhardt and Robine) were disguising themselves as different people, including her friends.^【2】 

^{An image representing Fregoli syndrome (Generated by artificial intelligence)}

Symptoms

The primary delusional symptoms seen in a person experiencing Fregoli syndrome are:

• The false belief that different people are actually the same person who periodically changes their appearance.
• The belief that a specific person (often a stranger) is following them and has taken on the identity of other people.
• The feeling that someone is pretending to be someone else with the intent to harm or deceive them.
• Intense feelings of paranoia and anxiety.^【3】 

Causes and Neurological Relationships

The exact cause of Fregoli syndrome is unknown, but research and neurological theories point to possible connections:

• Brain Lesions: The syndrome is thought to be associated with lesions or damaged connection centers in the brain's face recognition and matching areas. This damage leads to problems in correctly matching places, objects, and people from memory.
• Neurological Hypothesis: Neurologist Ramachandran speculates that this syndrome may arise from excessive connections between the face recognition areas and the amygdala, which governs emotional responses.
• Psychiatric Disorders: The syndrome can co-occur with other mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, dementia, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
• Traumatic Events: It is thought that traumatic events such as abuse or a major loss can trigger the syndrome.

Diagnosis and Treatment

As Fregoli syndrome is a rare psychiatric condition, its diagnosis can be challenging. A mental health professional first conducts a psychological evaluation to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms (brain disorders, trauma, etc.). A diagnosis is made if the person experiences persistent delusions of being followed by someone who is impersonating others.

There is no known definitive cure for Fregoli syndrome, but treatment plans are created to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment usually involves a combination of the following methods:

• Medication: Antipsychotic drugs are used to reduce delusions and paranoia.
• Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is recommended to help the person challenge their false beliefs and cope with the condition.
• Support Groups: These provide a space for people with Fregoli syndrome to share their experiences and connect with others who understand what they are going through.^【4】 

^{An image representing Fregoli syndrome (Generated by artificial intelligence)}

Coping with Fregoli Syndrome

In addition to seeking professional help, here are steps that people living with Fregoli syndrome can take to cope better with the condition:

• Educate Yourself: Learning about the condition helps to better understand what is happening and make informed decisions about treatment.
• Stay Connected: Relying on a support system of family and friends can help reduce stress and make you feel connected.
• Self-Care: Personal care practices that focus on physical and mental health, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep, are important. Relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation can also be beneficial.^【5】 

Warning: The content in this article is for general encyclopedic informational purposes only. The information provided should not be used for diagnosis, treatment, or medical guidance. Before making any health-related decisions, it is essential to consult a physician or a qualified healthcare professional. The author of this article and KÜRE Encyclopedia do not accept any responsibility for situations that may arise from the use of this information for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.