Folie A Deux

Definition:

Folie A Deux, also known as shared psychotic disorder, is a rare psychiatric condition characterized by the transmission of delusional beliefs from one individual, known as the primary individual, to another person, known as the secondary individual, who has a close and long-standing relationship with the primary individual.

Key Points:

• Folie A Deux involves the development of shared delusions between two individuals.
• The primary individual holds a delusional belief, which is transmitted to the secondary individual.
• The secondary individual adopts and experiences the same delusion as the primary individual.
• This condition is commonly observed in close family members, spouses, or individuals with an intense emotional bond.
• Often, the primary individual has an underlying psychotic disorder or a severe mental illness.
• Diagnosing Folie A Deux requires careful evaluation by mental health professionals to differentiate it from other psychiatric conditions or shared beliefs based on cultural or religious influences.
• Treatment typically involves individual therapy for both individuals, with a primary focus on addressing the underlying mental health condition of the primary individual.