ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 May 1992
Page Count: 9

Dangerousness of the Delusional Misidentification of Children
Leong, GB
Assistant clinical professor of psychiatry, assistant professor of psychiatry, and associate clinical professor psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, CA

Arturo Silva, J
Assistant clinical professor of psychiatry, assistant professor of psychiatry, and associate clinical professor psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, CA

Sharma, KK
Clinical associate professor of psychiatry, School of Medicine, and assistant medical director, Institute of Psychiatry and Law, University of Southern California, CA

Weinstock, R
Assistant clinical professor of psychiatry, assistant professor of psychiatry, and associate clinical professor psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, CA

(Received 8 July 1991; accepted 31 October 1991)

Abstract

Misidentification syndromes have been studied from a variety of perspectives, including phenomenological, biological, and nosological approaches. More recently, misidentification syndromes have been studied from a psychiatric-legal perspective, especially with regards to the problem of dangerousness. Capgras syndrome and other syndromes of misidentification can lead to hostile mood and subsequent physical violence. Little attention has so far been devoted to children as the objects of the psychotic person's misidentification delusion(s). We provide a review of cases from the anglophonic literature that have children as the misidentified objects, add three new cases, and then discuss the relationship between misidentification and potential harm to these children.

Keywords:
psychiatry, mental illness, misidentification, dangerousness, violence

Paper ID: JFS11994J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11994J
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