“Folie a deux” is an unusual mental disorder characterized by shared delusions among multiple individuals who are closely related. There is an “inducer” who influences another individual (“induced”) with a specific belief. This may rarely cause delusions shared among large groups e.g. an entire family (“Folie a familie”)
Types
- Folie imposee (Imposed Psychosis): transferred from one individual to another within an intimate relationship; abates once separated.
- Folie simultanee (Simultaneous Psychosis): shared risk factors and genetic factors lead to simultaneous development of a shared psychosis.
- Folie communiquée (Communicated Psychosis): similar to Folie Imposee, but the induced is more resistant. The delusion will persist even after separation.
- Folie induite (Induced Psychosis): the inducer continues to add delusions to the induced.
Treatment and Management
- Medication for both partners, either conjoined or individually.
- Combination of mood stabilizers & antipsychotics or antipsychotics & antidepressants.
- ECT has also been an option.