ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 13

A Cognitive Model of Dangerous Delusional Misidentification Syndromes
Bowden, CL
Professor of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio,

Oliva, D
Resident in psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio,

Garza-Treviño, ES
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Texas. Health Science Center at San Antonio, and Staff Psychiatrist, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital, Texas

Leong, GB
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of California at Los Angeles, and Staff Psychiatrist, West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center, California

Arturo Silva, J
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and Staff Psychiatrist, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital, TX

Le Grand, J
Psychology Intern, Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital, Texas

Weinstock, R
Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of California at Los Angeles, and Staff Psychiatrist, West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center, California

(Received 16 March 1994; accepted 25 April 1994)

Abstract

The hallmark of the delusional misidentification syndromes is the presence of a misidentification delusion of the self or others. Delusional misidentification may present with an increased risk for dangerous behaviors. Individuals suffering from delusional misidentification syndromes may express hostility in ways ranging from serious verbal threats to homicidal acts. The causes of dangerous misidentification delusions remain for the most part undetermined. In this article, we report a series of six cases of individuals who harbored dangerous misidentification delusions. These individuals were studied phenomenologically and forensically. They were also studied biologically, including neuropsychological testing. A cognitive hypothesis aimed at explaining dangerousness and delusional misidentification is proposed. Implications of the hypothesis for further research are briefly outlined.

Keywords:
psychiatry, dangerousness, violence, delusions, misidentification, mental disorder

Paper ID: JFS13732J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13732J
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